Vertically Shiftable Belt Situated Between Auxiliary Load Supports Patents (Class 198/809)
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Patent number: 10246272Abstract: A load-conveying and transport apparatus includes a first frame, a conveyor carried by the first frame, and a second frame mounted to the first frame for movement between lowered and raised positions relative to the conveyor. The second frame lies below the conveyor, when the second frame is in the lowered position relative to the conveyor. The second frame lies proud of the conveyor, when the second frame is in the raised position relative to the conveyor. The conveyor is for conveying a load placed thereon without interference from the second frame, when the second frame is in the lowered position relative to the conveyor. The second frame is for supporting the load placed thereon above the conveyor for disabling the conveyor from conveying the load, when the second frame is in the raised position.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2018Date of Patent: April 2, 2019Inventors: Raymond S. Zuckerman, J. Alexander Dondanville
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Patent number: 9783368Abstract: A conveyor apparatus includes a conveyor belt supported by a first and a second roller assembly, a boom assembly housing the conveyor apparatus, the boom assembly including opposing side rails hosting roller assemblies at opposite ends thereof the side rails held parallel by a plurality of cross frame members. A drive motor connected to a chain sprocket and gear assembly fixed in turn to an axle of at least one of the roller assemblies drives the conveyor hydraulically.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2016Date of Patent: October 10, 2017Assignee: Cleasby LLCInventor: Darren L DeGraw
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Patent number: 9611098Abstract: A conveyor apparatus includes a conveyor belt supported by a first and a second roller assembly, a boom assembly housing the conveyor apparatus, the boom assembly including opposing side rails hosting roller assemblies at opposite ends thereof the side rails held parallel by a plurality of cross frame members. A drive motor connected to a chain sprocket and gear assembly fixed in turn to an axle of at least one of the roller assemblies drives the conveyor hydraulically. The conveyor apparatus further includes components protecting against wear from frictional contact with material conveyed, sudden static shock to an operator, and wherein the relatively non-conductive attributes of the component materials protect the operator from shock due to implied incidental contact with an external power source.Type: GrantFiled: December 30, 2015Date of Patent: April 4, 2017Assignee: CLEASBY LLCInventor: Darren L DeGraw
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Patent number: 8966864Abstract: The installation includes an infeed conveyor (7) and an outfeed conveyor (8) with a module (5) for forming a wrapping of the tray, a cleated belt conveyor (11) constituted by two continuous belts (11a, 11b) which are retractable so as to allow the installation of a substitute conveying system (13) which is capable of forming a continuous slider bed between the infeed conveyor (7) and the outfeed conveyor (8). Accordingly, a versatile installation is provided that is capable of carrying out wrapping operations with blanks of the tray or wrap-around type and transporting batches of products, the products being, for example, placed on supporting cardboard sheets so as to convey them to the packing machine to receive a plastic film and then into the heat-shrink tunnel to complete the wrapping.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: C.E.R.M.E.X. Constructions Etudes et Recherches de Materiels pour l'Emballage d'ExpeditionInventor: Dominique Rabec
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Patent number: 8684167Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a pallet sleeve beneath a load comprises a conveyor component including conveyor elements configured to convey the load thereon in a first direction, one or more stations spaced apart along the first direction and a mechanism for changing the relative vertical positions of the conveyor elements and the stations. The apparatus further includes a pallet sleeve dispenser adjacent the conveyor component and configured for storing pallet sleeves in spaced apart sections aligned with a corresponding station. A drive element associated with each of the stations is configured to engage a pallet sleeve to drive the pallet sleeve from the dispenser to the conveyor component in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. A retention mechanism is provided to support a stack of pallet sleeves above a lowermost sleeve being driven from the dispenser to the position underneath the load on the conveyor component.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Systec CorporationInventors: Christopher Harris, Sean Finley
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Patent number: 8684169Abstract: A transfer device including a main conveyor part having a first conveying surface and a subsidiary conveyor part having a second conveying surface and arranged at the same area as the main conveyor part, the main conveyor part being designed to convey an article placed on the first conveying surface in one conveying direction, the subsidiary conveyor part being designed to convey an article placed on the second conveying surface in another direction transverse to the conveying direction of the main conveyor part, the main conveyor part and/or the subsidiary conveyor part being a roller conveyor having rollers, at least one of the rollers being a braking roller equipped with a brake, and the brake being designed to prevent the article from proceeding at least to the direction transverse to the conveying direction of the roller conveyor by a frictional force acting between the article and the braking roller.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Itoh Denki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Itoh, Tatsuhiko Nakamura, Masaki Tanaka, Makoto Mitsuyoshi, Toshiyuki Tachibana, Michiyuki Yamanaka
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Patent number: 8590691Abstract: A logistics system for a sheet-processing machine, in particular a printing press, permits pallets and sheet stacks on transport boards to be displaced along transport paths. Storage spaces are provided for the intermediate storage of sheet stacks and a corner transfer device is provided for the transverse displacement of pallets and sheet stacks. The corner transfer device has two height-adjustable conveying devices disposed at right angles with respect to one another. The transport boards cover the transport path at ground level and the corner transfer device is configured in such a way that all of the transport boards are conveyed at a common height level, for example the height level of the machine hall floor.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AGInventor: Andreas Müller
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Patent number: 8167120Abstract: A load moving apparatus is operable to move a load, such as a stack of sheet product, in a first and second direction on a staging area. The load moving apparatus includes a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and a translating device. The first conveyor defines the staging area and is configured to move a load in a first direction. The second conveyor is positioned within the staging area and is configured to move the load in a second direction different from the first direction. The translating device is configured to move vertically one of the first conveyor and the second conveyor relative to the other of the first conveyor and the second conveyor. The load moving apparatus can be used to build or break down loads entering the staging area.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: May 1, 2012Assignee: Systec CorporationInventors: Achie B. Russell, Christopher Harris, Sean Finley, Donald West
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Patent number: 8127917Abstract: In a mail processing system, a support element has a flat floor with elements spaced from each other so that a comb-type or fork-type structure is produced, wherein the elements have front section extending upwards. A first transport device has a number of bands equipped with sectional separators, which are spaced from one another. To transfer piled postal items from the support element to the first transport device the floor is aligned with the transport device, and the floor and the transport device are interlocked, so that at least a part of one of the bands extends between the elements.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 6, 2012Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Peter Enenkel
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Patent number: 7967129Abstract: A conveyor belt training idler comprise a mount, a roller support frame, a roller, and a locking mechanism. The roller support frame is pivotally attached to the mount about a support frame axis for pivotal movement relative to the mount. The roller is rotatably attached to the roller support frame for rotation about a roller axis. The roller axis is pivotal with the roller support frame about the support frame axis relative to the mount. The locking mechanism has a plurality of discrete settings, each setting being configured and adapted to maintain the roller support frame at a discrete angular setting relative to the mount.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Martin Engineering CompanyInventor: Robert Todd Swinderman
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Patent number: 7819240Abstract: A transfer belt unit and an image forming apparatus having the same are provided. The transfer belt unit includes a transfer belt circulating and traveling and transferring a toner image formed on a photosensitive body onto a printable medium. A plurality of support rollers support an inner circumference of the transfer belt. A pair of belt guides respectively attached to both edges of the inner circumference of the transfer belt are engaged with a regulating portion disposed in the support rollers to allow the transfer belt to travel in a substantially straight line and each having a joint portion. The joint portion comprises first and second ends separated from each other to be substantially parallel to each other when inclined with respect to a traveling direction of the transfer belt. The second end is located in a posterior position of the first end with respect to the traveling direction of the transfer belt and an external edge of the second end is chamfered.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2006Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yong-sung Kim
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Publication number: 20100147655Abstract: An adjustable item transport includes a deck for supporting items, a transport element for transporting the items along the deck on a transport path, a plurality of support elements rotatably supporting the transport element, and an adjustment member. Each support element may include a plurality of recesses configured to receive the transport element. Each recess corresponds to an operating position of the transport element. The adjustment member may include a handle portion, a first guide portion adjacent to a first edge of the transport element, and a second guide portion adjacent to a second edge of the transport element. Movement of the handle portion substantially perpendicular to the transport path engages one of the first guide portion and the second guide portion with a respective edge of the transport element to move the transport element between recesses in the support element to change the operating position of the transport element.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2008Publication date: June 17, 2010Applicant: Pitney Bowes Inc.Inventors: W. Scott KALM, Nathan Johnson
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Patent number: 7708133Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a driven roller and a idler roller each coupled with a flexible member. A pressure roller is also included and can be forced against the driven roller to tension the flexible member.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2003Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventor: Martin R. Williams
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Patent number: 7404481Abstract: A stacking conveyor for receiving slices cut from a food loaf or slab includes a frame, an endless belt conveying surface, a carrier, a plurality of pins, and a motive mechanism. The endless belt conveying surface is supported by the frame. The carrier is arranged beneath the top surface of the endless belt conveying surface. The plurality of pins protrude upward from the carrier, each of the pins having a sharp top end. The motive mechanism is configured for raising the carrier to elevate the top ends of the pins above the top surface of the endless belt conveying surface to receive and impale a first slice of a stack. The pins are then retracted beneath the conveying surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Formax, Inc.Inventors: Glenn Sandberg, Glen F. Pryor
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Patent number: 7383935Abstract: A roller conveyor includes a plurality of idler rollers positioned along and between opposite sidewalls and a transverse drive system operable to rotatably drive at least some of the idler rollers of the roller conveyer. The transverse drive system includes a motorized roller positioned generally transverse to the idler rollers and a plurality of drive members drivably connected between the motorized roller and respective ones of the idler rollers. Actuation of the motorized roller drives each of the drive members, which in turn independently rotatably drive the respective idler rollers. The transverse drive system may be selectively operable to accumulate articles on one or more zones of the roller conveyor. The roller conveyor may include a right angle transfer unit operable to transfer articles in a direction generally normal to the direction of conveyance of the idler rollers.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2004Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: Dematic Corp.Inventors: Ryan D. Tasma, David H. Cotter, Ronald C. Ehlert
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Patent number: 7287636Abstract: A conveying apparatus 100 includes a main conveyor line 101 formed by a motorized roller 110 and a free roller 111 arranged at specified intervals and a diverting line 102 for diverting an article from the main conveyor line 101. The diverting line 102 has a diverting unit 103 with a pair of a diverter 160 integrated on a frame 141. A driving device 1 for operating the diverter 160 is arranged with casings 3, 5 provided at both sides of a main roller 2. The main roller 2 accommodates a motor 11 and first planetary gear mechanisms 12, 13 in a hollow cylinder 10. The casings 3, 5 each accommodate a second planetary gear mechanism 70 in a cylindrical casing 71. The first planetary gear mechanism 12, 13 each form a planetary type on the condition that an eccentric member 74 is rotatable, and form a star type on the condition that the eccentric member 74 is unrotatable, thereby switching lifting operation of the diverter 160 and transverse conveying operation of an article by means of belts 170, 170.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2005Date of Patent: October 30, 2007Assignee: Itoh Denki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kazuo Itoh, Yoshikazu Nishida, Masaki Tanaka
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Publication number: 20070151829Abstract: A transfer belt unit and an image forming apparatus having the same are provided. The transfer belt unit includes a transfer belt circulating and traveling and transferring a toner image formed on a photosensitive body onto a printable medium. A plurality of support rollers support an inner circumference of the transfer belt. A pair of belt guides respectively attached to both edges of the inner circumference of the transfer belt are engaged with a regulating portion disposed in the support rollers to allow the transfer belt to travel in a substantially straight line and each having a joint portion. The joint portion comprises first and second ends separated from each other to be substantially parallel to each other when inclined with respect to a traveling direction of the transfer belt. The second end is located in a posterior position of the first end with respect to the traveling direction of the transfer belt and an external edge of the second end is chamfered.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2006Publication date: July 5, 2007Inventor: Yong-sung Kim
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Patent number: 7178659Abstract: An novel apparatus and technique may be used to induct articles onto a conveyor comprising at least one conveyor belt that moves articles along a first path that extends in a first direction. The apparatus may be used to move an article along a second path that extends in a second direction, which is transverse to the first direction, to a first position above but not in contact with the at least one conveyor belt. After the article has been moved to the first position above but not in contact with the at least one conveyor belt, the apparatus may be used to move the article onto the at least one conveyor belt.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Richard T. Evans, Mark Gallagher, Kenneth Gluck, Eugene Stradley
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Patent number: 7114608Abstract: A directional transition module for moving an article translating on a primary roller conveyor extending along a first axis to a secondary conveyor for translation along a second axis angularly disposed with respect to the first axis includes at least one flexible drive member supported by a chassis for cycling through a predetermined driver cycle having an upper cycle portion and a lower cycle portion. The upper cycle portion is such that, when the directional transition module is installed for use in conjunction with the primary roller conveyor, the drive member cycles between first and second rollers of the primary roller conveyor. The drive member includes first and second segments wherein the first segment has a profile sufficiently low such that, when the first segment cycles through the upper cycle portion, it does not extend above a plane defined by the tops of the first and second rollers.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2004Date of Patent: October 3, 2006Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Thomas M. Brown, Richard T. Evans, Kenneth E. Gluck, Douglas G. Miller, Eugene Stradley
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Patent number: 6938751Abstract: A vertical lift assembly for raising a plurality of diverting belts between rollers of a roller conveyor, to engage and raise an object from the surface of the conveyor, and to divert it to the side of the conveyor. The vertical lift assembly uses a plurality of hinges to join together a stationary frame, as a base, and a raisable plate on which sets the diverting belt assembly. The hinge is formed from a section of roller chain. A pair of hinges is disposed along each side of the stationary frame and raisable plate. The hinges provide tilt-free lift of the diverting belt assembly.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2004Date of Patent: September 6, 2005Assignee: TKF, Inc.Inventors: Ronald L. Eubanks, David Norman Radford
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Patent number: 6907978Abstract: An novel apparatus and technique may be used to induct articles onto a conveyor comprising at least one conveyor belt that moves articles along a first path that extends in a first direction. The apparatus may be used to move an article along a second path that extends in a second direction, which is transverse to the first direction, to a first position above but not in contact with the at least one conveyor belt. After the article has been moved to the first position above but not in contact with the at least one conveyor belt, the apparatus may be used to move the article onto the at least one conveyor belt.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2003Date of Patent: June 21, 2005Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: Richard T. Evans, Mark Gallagher, Kenneth Gluck, Eugene Stradley
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Patent number: 6845860Abstract: A conveyor transfer apparatus (100) conveys stacks of product (S1) on a multi-row conveyor (110) having a plurality of parallel, spaced-apart belts (112) toward a single-row conveyor (120) oriented transversely to the multi-row conveyor. When a stack is in a desired position, an elevator assembly (130) lifts the stack above the multi-row conveyor to a position near the single-row conveyor. The elevator assembly includes a plurality of elongate members (136) that are sized and spaced to move between adjacent belts of the multi-row conveyor. A pusher assembly (140) extends to push the lifted stack from the elevator assembly onto the single row conveyor. The elevator assembly and pusher assembly then retract until another stack is in position to be lifted. A plurality of elevator assemblies and pusher assemblies are arranged to engage particular rows of stacks.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2004Date of Patent: January 25, 2005Assignee: ARR Tech, Inc.Inventor: Eugene W. Walker
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Publication number: 20040226803Abstract: A transport system for containers includes an infeed conveyor and an ouffeed conveyor at an angle to one another. A corner transfer unit is placed between the infeed and ouffeed conveyors and has a transfer conveyor extending in transport direction of the ouffeed conveyor and defining a transport plane which is lower than the transport plane of the infeed conveyor. An endless conveyor belt is disposed in an area of the transfer conveyor and is provided with a thickened area for compensating a distance between the transport planes of the infeed conveyor and the transfer conveyor to enable a movement of the container from the infeed conveyor onto the transfer conveyor as the container rests on the thickened area.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2004Publication date: November 18, 2004Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFTInventors: Wolfgang Brixius, Dominik Grafer, Albrecht Hoene
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Publication number: 20040173436Abstract: A narrow belt conveyor system including a plurality of narrow, continuous, spaced-apart belts adapted to receive an accessory such as a sorter, accumulator, diverter, and/or transfer between the belts. The conveyor system includes a pair of side frame members, each with an elongated track that slidingly receives the accessory so that it can be readily moved to selected locations along the length of the conveyor. A belt tensioning mechanism provides for independent tensioning of the conveyor belts. A belt guide track with a low friction insert supports the loaded belt, while the guide rollers engage the edges of the belts along their return runs.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2004Publication date: September 9, 2004Applicant: Paragon Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Timothy R. Baker
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Patent number: 6763927Abstract: A conveying apparatus is composed of a motor-installed roller (2), cams (3), a rotation axis deflector (4), a drive pulley (5), a driven pulley (6), an endless belt (7), a flat support (8) and a spring (9). The roller (2) and the deflector (4) take their position enclosed with the belt (7), and the shaft (15) of the roller (2) is operatively connected by the deflector (4) to the drive pulley (5). A sleigh-shaped top plate (25) of the support (8) intervenes between the roller (2) and the back surface of belt (7), and when the cylindrical casing (12) of this roller rotates, the cams (3) will also rotate to raise the support (8) and lift the upper transporting path of the belt (7), so that the apparatus is rendered so smaller in size that it can be used as a cross transporter adapted for installation in any desired space.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2002Date of Patent: July 20, 2004Assignee: Itoh Electric Company LimitedInventors: Kazuo Itoh, Tatsuhiko Nakamura
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Patent number: 6719126Abstract: The transfer device for a linear conveyor comprises a fixed framework (5) placed on one side of the linear conveyor (2) and means for moving objects towards the framework in a transfer direction that is different from the conveying direction of said conveyor. These means comprise an object transporter structure (6) mounted in said framework (5) to move in a substantially vertical direction in order to occupy a transfer position in which the transporter structure is disposed above the linear conveyor (2) or a retracted position in which the transporter structure is disposed below the linear conveyor (2). The transporter structure (6) extends across the linear conveyor (2) and extends in the transfer direction on one side of the conveyor. The transfer device can be used in a postal sorting machine for handling mail bins.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2002Date of Patent: April 13, 2004Assignee: SolysticInventors: Frédéric Badier, Laurent Buffat, Franck Vigo
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Publication number: 20030196874Abstract: A conveyor system which allows objects to be placed on stationary surfaces at one end of a conveyor belt system prior to moving the objects. The conveyor belt system has conveyor belts mounted on pulleys having eccentric axis of rotations. The conveyor belts are mounted between two stationary surfaces that define a plane such that when the eccentric axis pulleys rotate the upper surface of the conveyor belts cyclically rise above and drop below the plane of the stationary surfaces. Objects placed on the stationary surfaces are lifted from the stationary surfaces and are moved by the rotating conveyor belt.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 19, 2002Publication date: October 23, 2003Inventor: Don Lunghi
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Publication number: 20030168320Abstract: A conveying apparatus is composed of a motor-installed roller (2), cams (3), a rotation axis deflector (4), a drive pulley (5), a driven pulley (6), an endless belt (7), a flat support (8) and a spring (9). The roller (2) and the deflector (4) take their position enclosed with the belt (7), and the shaft (15) of the roller (2) is operatively connected by the deflector (4) to the drive pulley (5). A sleigh-shaped top plate (25) of the support (8) intervenes between the roller (2) and the back surface of belt (7), and when the cylindrical casing (12) of this roller rotates, the cams (3) will also rotate to raise the support (8) and lift the upper transporting path of the belt (7), so that the apparatus is rendered so smaller in size that it can be used as a cross transporter adapted for installation in any desired space.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 13, 2002Publication date: September 11, 2003Applicant: Itoh Electric Company LimitedInventors: Kazuo Itoh, Tatsuhiko Nakamura
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Patent number: 6505733Abstract: A transfer assembly for a conveyor system includes a frame, a plurality of rollers mounted to the frame, a plurality of grooved transfer sheaves supported by the frame, and an actuator which selectively moves a group of the transfer conveyors between a retracted position and an extended position such that the transfer belt which is carried by the transfer sheaves is moved between a position below the conveying surface to a position above the conveying surface for lifting an article being conveyed on the rollers and transferring the article in a transfer direction. At least one of the transfer belt and the transfer sheaves are adapted to resist rolling of the transfer belt in the transfer sheaves when the transfer belt is subject to a lateral force from the article being transferred.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Assignee: Rapistan Systems Advertising Corp.Inventors: Chris A. Troupos, Ryan Ranschaert
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Patent number: 6471044Abstract: A hold-and-release singulator includes a conveyor having a transport mechanism for carrying a group of items such as parcels, packages, containers or the like from an entry end towards an exit end of the singulator, a hold and release system that can hold items that have entered the singulator on the conveyor so that such items are not transported by the conveyor while causing one item to be transported by the conveyor, and a control system that controls operation of the conveyor and the hold-and-release system in a manner effective to remove the group of items from the exit end of the conveyor one at a time according to a removal scheme, preferably with a predetermined minimum spacing.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2000Date of Patent: October 29, 2002Assignee: Siemens ElectroCom, L.P.Inventors: Gerald A. Isaacs, James M. Pippin, Stephen T. Kugle, Hans-Joachim Grund
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Publication number: 20020092734Abstract: A transfer assembly for a conveyor system includes a frame, a plurality of rollers mounted to the frame, a plurality of grooved transfer sheaves supported by the frame, and an actuator which selectively moves a group of the transfer conveyors between a retracted position and an extended position such that the transfer belt which is carried by the transfer sheaves is moved between a position below the conveying surface to a position above the conveying surface for lifting an article being conveyed on the rollers and transferring the article in a transfer direction. At least one of the transfer belt and the transfer sheaves are adapted to resist rolling of the transfer belt in the transfer sheaves when the transfer belt is subject to a lateral force from the article being transferred.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2001Publication date: July 18, 2002Inventors: Chris A. Troupos, Ryan Ranschaert
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Patent number: 6315110Abstract: This retractable central conveyor (1) being used in a folder-gluer converting plate-like workpieces such as paper or cardboard for producing packagings. Such a folder-gluer comprises two frames between which are arranged two lateral conveyors (100, 110), the conveying means of which being belts (101, 111). The conveyor of the present invention comprises a structure consisting of four associated components (4, 5, 8, 11) which are transversely movable between the frames of the folder-gluer with respect to the travelling direction of said plate-like workpieces. Among these components of this structure, an upper longitudinal bar (4) can easily be manually lowered, in a vertical slanted movement, from a working position to a retracted position, and inversely raised by independent damping means (15).Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 1999Date of Patent: November 13, 2001Assignee: Bobst SAInventors: Jacques Reymond, Roberto Valterio
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Patent number: 6223880Abstract: This invention discloses a conveyor table, including a supporting construction having a first supporting surface for supporting articles to be conveyed, a plurality of conveyor elements mounted to the supporting construction and defining a second supporting surface for supporting the articles to be conveyed, an actuator for selectively moving one of the supporting surfaces with respect to the other to selectively enable either the first supporting surface defined by the supporting construction to support the articles, or the second supporting surface defined by the conveyor elements to support the articles, and a drive for driving the conveyor elements to convey the articles in a predetermined direction when the articles are supported by the second supporting surface defined by the conveyor elements.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 1997Date of Patent: May 1, 2001Assignee: Orbotech Ltd.Inventors: Amiram Caspi, Zamir Halutz
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Patent number: 6176364Abstract: A device allows easy, rapid, and reliable loading of X-ray cassettes of different formats into a transport receptacle of a processing apparatus for X-ray cassettes in a space-saving and user-friendly fashion. This is achieved, according to the invention, by the fact that a plurality of guide elements for the conveying means configured as a cassette loading device are provided, which are arranged in a stationary fashion between the transport mechanism spaced apart perpendicular to the cassette transport direction. The guide elements can be conveyed by a drive into and out of a horizontal plane formed by the transport mechanism in such a way that during a conveying movement of the transport mechanism, an X-ray cassette is supported on the transport mechanism in a vertical position and is arrested only by the transport receptacles.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1998Date of Patent: January 23, 2001Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Gerd Hoitz, Ulrich Kowatsch, Friedrich Ueffinger
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Patent number: 6098789Abstract: A package conveyor operating control system comprised of a continuous conveying belt supported on separate plates, air pressure responsive pads supporting the plates to effect lifting and lowering of the plates, photocells associated with each plate to detect the presence of accumulated packages, groups of air pressure flow valves to control the lifting and lowering of the plate to permit accumulation of the packages when a leading photocell signals accumulated packages to initiate the lowering of the trailing support plate after a time delay and when both a leading and trailing photocell signals accumulation of packages to initiate the lowering of the trailing support plates after a shortened time delay to avoid impact damage to the accumulated packages.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 1998Date of Patent: August 8, 2000Assignee: Alvey Systems, Inc.Inventor: Ronald L. Ernst
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Patent number: 6062376Abstract: An endless conveyor system includes movable lift rails for supporting the conveyed articles on either side of an endless conveying member. The lift rails are defined by end-to-end sections with adjacent ends of adjacent sections simultaneously movable between a lowered position wherein the articles may be engaged by the conveying member and a raised position wherein the articles are lifted above and out of engagement with the conveying members for interrupting the advancement of the articles with zero back-pressure. In another embodiment, a single lift rail formed of linked sections is disposed between parallel conveyor chains moving in concert. The link between adjacent lift rail sections utilizes a "free floating" hinge.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 1997Date of Patent: May 16, 2000Assignee: Nercon Engineering & ManufacturingInventor: James L. Nerenhausen, Sr.
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Patent number: 5860509Abstract: A conveyor belt system for intermittently controllably transporting and arresting workpieces. The belt band of a conveyor belt runs between two upward facing shanks of an H-profile track. The conveyor belt is either actively or passively lowered in the area of the appropriate work station so that a workpiece carrier comes to rest on the U-shaped ends of a base support with positional exactness. During working on the workpiece, the belt band runs through underneath the workpiece carrier. The forces resulting from working on the piece are taken up by the two U-shaped ends of the base support. For the further transport of the workpiece carrier the belt band of the conveyor belt is again raised to contact the work piece carrier.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1997Date of Patent: January 19, 1999Assignee: IWB Industrietechnik GmbHInventor: Manfred Baer
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Patent number: 5826699Abstract: In order to be able to continuously operate a storage and conveyor system, consisting of two main conveyor tracks running parallel to each other and containing storage locations for goods in a minimum of space, in such a way as to allow retrieval of specific goods at the ends of the main conveyor tracks, it is proposed that the ends of the main conveyor tracks be connected by two cross-conveyor tracks, arranged at right angles to the conveying direction, consisting of two track sections, located one behind the other and capable of being separately raised and lowered in vertical direction, these cross-conveyor tracks being movable in the conveying direction of the main conveyor tracks.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 1996Date of Patent: October 27, 1998Inventor: Carlos Trauten
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Patent number: 5810158Abstract: A belt accumulation conveyor includes at least one driven endless conveying member defining a conveying surface and at least one brake surface lateral of the endless conveying member. A plurality of longitudinal members are arranged in tandem, defining a plurality of accumulation zones. Each of the longitudinal members vertically reciprocates a portion of either the conveying surface or the brake surface. A portion of the conveying surface is elevated above the brake surface to convey objects in that zone and a portion of the brake surface is elevated above the conveying surface to accumulate objects in that zone. A plurality of such actuators are provided and each is operatively connected with adjacent ends of adjacent ones of the longitudinal member. In this manner, the respective adjacent ends can be selectively raised and lowered together.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 1995Date of Patent: September 22, 1998Assignee: Mannesmann Dematic Rapistan Corp.Inventors: Ricardo N. Schiesser, James C. Burrous
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Patent number: 5743375Abstract: A conveyer transfer apparatus for use in a roller conveyer for lifting an article upwardly and moving it laterally to another conveyer. It includes a motor as a driving force to drive two pairs of spaced eccentric sprockets and a side-roller-chain, which engages with a pair of spaced sprockets. The side-roller-chain moves on a guide channel, which can be lifted upward, synchronously with the movement of the sprocket, thus enabling the article to be lifted upward and carried away laterally at a speed faster than the rotating speed of the sprocket.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 1995Date of Patent: April 28, 1998Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Duen-Jyh Shyr, Kuan-Chou Chen
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Patent number: 5738203Abstract: An apparatus for converting rotational movement of a rotary member to harmonic linear motion for moving an article transfer apparatus between a first position and a second position. The apparatus provides a follower pivotally connected to the extending end of the rotary member, and a planar support plate having a slotted aperture for receiving the follower of the rotary member. A pair of opposing low friction planar guides slidingly support the support plate of the article transfer apparatus for movement in a predetermined plane. When the rotary member rotates, the follower moves along the slotted aperture of the support plate, and the support plate slides along the planar guides thus imparting linear motion to the article transfer apparatus. When the rotary member is rotated at a substantially constant rotary speed, the linear motion translated to the article transfer apparatus is best described as harmonic motion.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1995Date of Patent: April 14, 1998Assignee: ISI Norgren Inc.Inventor: David J. Crorey
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Patent number: 5735389Abstract: A conveying unit (1) capable of stopping at precise points in an assembly line or the like comprises a conveyor (10), a lift (20) and a support (30) as main components. The conveyor (10) is a double-belt type belt conveyor wherein synchro rubber belts (13) are set over drive pulleys (11) and plural driven pulleys (12) and the pulleys (11) are connected with each other with a shaft (14). The lift (20) is constructed of two sets of frames on which the elevation of the conveyer (10) can be varied through the use of a pair of air bags. The support (30) is conveying path in the desired fixing position.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 1996Date of Patent: April 7, 1998Assignee: Bando Kagaku Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Masahiko Houzouji, Osamu Sakamoto
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Patent number: 5727674Abstract: An improved bundle transfer apparatus for sheet material in signature form is provided. The apparatus includes a frame having rails on which a bundle transfer vehicle is mounted. The bundle transfer vehicle has a platform which is movable to a position under the signatures and a mechanism for raising the platform and the signatures. The signatures on the bundle transfer vehicle are transferred to an end of the table where it is moved by powered rollers to a compression and strapping station where it is tied and delivered for further handling.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 1996Date of Patent: March 17, 1998Assignee: Baldwin Technology CorporationInventors: John St. John, Jerry L. Bates, Clark L. Smith
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Patent number: 5685414Abstract: An endless conveyor system includes movable lift rails for supporting the conveyed articles on either side of an endless conveying member. The lift rails are defined by end-to-end sections with adjacent ends of adjacent sections simultaneously movable between a lowered position wherein the articles may be engaged by the conveying member and a raised position wherein the articles are lifted above and out of engagement with the conveying members for interrupting the advancement of the articles with zero back-pressure.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 1996Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: Nercon Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc.Inventor: James L. Nerenhausen, Sr.
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Patent number: 5685687Abstract: A truck is fitted with an unloading conveyor for carrying packages of material, e.g. roofing shingles, from a transfer station on the truck bed, preferably at its rear. This conveyor can swing in an arc about its mounting adjacent the transfer station, and its azimuth can be adjusted to reach a wide variety of delivery sites. The truck bed can carry multiple rows of stacked packages such as pallettized loads of roofing shingles, and is fitted with a bed conveyor system to move an entire row of loads to the transfer station. Upper flights of the bed conveyor move toward a lift platform designed to receive a few of the palletized loads as these are carried to the transfer station. An operator removes the packages from the loads and places them onto the discharge conveyor. As the loads are emptied, the lift platform can rise so the operator only shifts the packages onto the discharge conveyor with minimal lifting.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 1995Date of Patent: November 11, 1997Assignee: Florida High Reach Inc.Inventor: Robert L. Frye
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Patent number: 5582282Abstract: An apparatus for transporting of stacks of blanks (10) to packaging machines, the stacks of blanks (10) are delivered on pallets (11). Rows of stacks (12) are transferred from the pallets (11) to a stack conveyor (15) which leads to the packaging machine. In order to supplement the flow of transport during interruptions, at least one additional conveyor (18, 24) is provided which is loaded with stacks of blanks (10) by hand and which supplies them as required. The additional conveyor (18, 24) is movable up and down. In the lower feeding position, upright separating webs (10) take effect which serve for facilitating the accurate positioning of the stacks of blanks (10) on the additional conveyor (18, 24 ).Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1995Date of Patent: December 10, 1996Assignee: Focke & Co. (GmbH & Co.)Inventors: Heinz Focke, Martin Stiller
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Patent number: 5542809Abstract: A self-driven liftup conveyor comprises a channel including a bottom plate and two side plates; a roller tray accommodated in the channel and holding a multiplicity of rollers in a rotatable manner; a belt placed all over the length of the rollers; a drive mechanism for reciprocating the belt; and a lift mechanism interposed between the roller tray and the channel for moving the roller tray together with the belt on the rollers vertically with respect to a freight stacking face. A vehicular liftup conveyor is constructed by placing that self-driven liftup conveyor and ordinary liftup conveyors in parallel on the truck bed. A truck freight loader/unloader is constructed by placing the self-driven liftup conveyor and the ordinary liftup conveyors in parallel on a platform to be connected to the truck bed. A truck freight loading system is constructed by combining the truck freightloader/unloader and the truck bed having an ordinary liftup conveyor mounted thereon.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1995Date of Patent: August 6, 1996Assignees: Ashimori Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha, Nippon Light Metal Company, LimitedInventors: Katsuo Kita, Yasushi Nagamune, Yasuyuki Nakadegawa
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Patent number: 5437360Abstract: A system for conveying stacks of objects has a pair of elongated arrays of idler rollers extending longitudinally parallel next to each other, defining a central longitudinally extending and upwardly open gap, defining a generally horizontal support plane extending longitudinally through a plurality of stations so that the stacks of objects can be supported on the rollers in the stations, and each formed by a plurality of rollers rotatable about parallel axes extending perpendicular to the gap. A flexible conveyor belt has a reach extending longitudinally along the gap between the arrays of rollers and a guide engaging the reach normally holds the reach below the plane. Respective actuators at the stations engage underneath the reach at the respective stations and raise the reach only at the respective stations through the gap and above the plane.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 1994Date of Patent: August 1, 1995Inventor: Hans J. Eberhard
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Patent number: 5238349Abstract: An article sorting and retrieval system for use in warehouses and distribution centers wherein articles are stored in vertical racks with open-sided storage bins. The system includes a linearly extensible lower conveyor assembly adapted to transport items parallel to the rows of storage bins and a vertically movable upper conveyor assembly located above and parallel to the lower conveyor assembly and adapted to convey articles in a direction opposite to that of the lower assembly and to be raised and lowered between an upper position and a lower position as desired so as to service all of the bins in each of the rows of bins. Another conveyor assembly is provided for conveying articles vertically between one end of the lower conveyor assembly and one end of the upper conveyor assembly and for reversing the direction of travel of the articles during that vertical movement.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 1992Date of Patent: August 24, 1993Inventor: Robert W. Grace, Sr.
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Patent number: 5201401Abstract: In a horizontal extrusion press, a longitudinal discharge conveyor (2) comprises a plurality of short tandemly arranged longitudinal conveyor units (12), each comprising chains (18) and workpiece support beams (19,20), and a transverse conveyor (3) having stationary conveying elements (13) extending into spaces between the successive longitudinal conveyor units (12). The longitudinal conveyor units are raised and lowered relative to the transverse conveyor, in order to transfer extruded products from the longitudinal conveyor onto the transverse conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 1992Date of Patent: April 13, 1993Assignee: SMS Hasenclever GmbHInventors: Kurt Haderer, Franz Schall