Device For Tensioning Belt Patents (Class 198/813)
  • Patent number: 7134544
    Abstract: A conveyor system having a frame, a drive sprocket rotatably mounted to the frame, and a tail pulley rotatably mounted to the frame opposite the drive sprocket. A continuous belt engages with the drive sprocket and tail pulley with a catenary take-up arrangement having an upper conveying portion and a lower return portion. A snub idler may be engaged with the return portion of the belt so that the belt properly engages the drive sprocket. A motor couples with the drive sprocket, the motor being capable of driving the belt in forward and reverse directions. A take-up device engages with the return portion of the belt so that the belt is capable of running in forward and reverse directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: FKI Logistex, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kilper, Christopher Williams
  • Patent number: 7131531
    Abstract: Roller return and holddown shoes for a modular-belt conveyor. The shoes have a body that extends in height from a base to a convex outer face. Cavities in the body open onto the base and the outer face. Rollers rotatably received in the cavities have salient portions protruding past the outer face of the shoe to bear in rolling contact against the outer surface of a belt draped over the shoe. Optional edge guides upstanding from the outer face of the shoe may be used to restrain the side edge of a belt supported on the shoe and prevent the belt from wandering laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Robert S. Ryan
  • Patent number: 7117989
    Abstract: A device for detection and adjustment of the tension of a scraper chain of a chain conveyor, in particular of a face conveyor, having a tensionable return station, on which a spoked chainwheel to reverse the scraper chain, having chain links and scrapers attached thereto, is supported between the bottom race and the top race. The devices including a sensor which determines the tension of the scraper chain at the return station and the sensor having a swivellable sensor body coupled with a shaft encoder. The sensor body being in the top race and in contact with the upper face of the scraper chain in a measurement zone with provision being made in the measuring zone for vertical play for the run of the scrapers and/or the chain links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: DBT GmbH
    Inventors: Wilfried Weigel, Gerold Wendler, Karl-Heinz Schurer
  • Patent number: 7059468
    Abstract: A production line for food products includes a plurality of apparatus modules (1) arranged one after the other, each module being arranged to perform at least one manufacturing stage of the food product. The production line includes a frame (2), which includes driving elements (3) for driving at least one apparatus module (1). At least one movable apparatus module (1) can be adapted to the driving elements (3) in the frame (2) such that the apparatus module (1) can be driven by the driving elements (1) in the frame (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Mikael Jarvenkyla
  • Patent number: 7025196
    Abstract: A conveyor 12 includes an infeed/scanning section (18) and a cutting/outfeed section (22). Both sections have an endless belt (70) and (180) each driven by a friction drive roller (100) and (200). Adequate frictional load is applied between the endless belts and corresponding drive rollers by tension assemblies, each having a tensioning roller (86), (188) rotatably mounted on a pivot frame structure (112), (220) allowing the weight of the tensioning roller to be applied to the return run of the endless belts. Dampeners (130) (270) are integrated with the tensioning rollers (86) (188) to dampen vibrations in the endless belts (70) (180).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: FMC Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig E. Pfarr, Norman A. Rudy
  • Patent number: 7015400
    Abstract: A belt weighing apparatus for maintaining high accuracy in weighing by way of maintaining a fixed tension in the belt and preventing the belt from oscillating. The belt conveyor is comprised of a supporting frame, an upper guiding unit arranged on the supporting frame, a first and a second end-supporting device arranged on the supporting frame in proximity to the opposite ends of the upper guiding unit, a motor unit, at least one weighing platform arranged in-between the first and a second end-supporting devices, a lower guiding unit having a first property arranged on the supporting frame, and an endless conveyor belt having a second property is extended between said first and a second end supporting devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2006
    Assignee: Marel HF
    Inventors: Jon Olafsson, Kristinn Steingrimsson, Bjarni Valur Valtysson
  • Patent number: 7004309
    Abstract: A vacuum conveyor has a toothed belt with opposed sets of teeth along the sides of the belt inner surface; the belt is driven by a synchronous motor giving very precise delivery, the motor driving a toothed roll located in the conveyor center section within the loop of the belt. The oncoming and offgoing belt guidance rolls have replaceable bearing inserts; two rolls control the wrap and load transfer between the belt and the driving roll; the top reach of the perforated belt slides on plastic vacuum blocks, having through air passages in corresponding patterned relation at the surfaces of the blocks, bounded by air-sealing shoulder portions of the blocks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Inventor: Bernard J. Sherwood
  • Patent number: 6997307
    Abstract: A device for tensioning and loosening of an endless conveyor belt (1) which is guided over deflection means, is additionally supported between the deflection means by a support construction (2). The device comprises displacement means (3) which are used for displacing of displaceable deflection means (4) parallel to the direction of travel of the conveyor belt (1). In addition it comprises support means (5), which are co-displaceable with the displacing of the displaceable deflection means (4). In this way the support means (5) support the conveyor belt (1) between the support construction (2) and the displaceable deflection means (4) throughout. Thereby the conveyor belt (1) does not sag down in a gap between the support construction (2) and the displaceable deflection means (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventor: Hansrudolf Iseli
  • Patent number: 6971509
    Abstract: A conveyor construction that includes a conveyor frame assembly formed from a pair of spaced side frame members interconnected with each other by spaced cross members. The upper bed of the conveyor frame assembly is formed from individual bed plate strips attached to each of the cross members. The width of the conveyor frame assembly can be modified by the proper selection of the number of bed plate strips. The conveyor frame assembly includes a separate tensioning assembly and tracking adjustment assembly. The tracking adjustment assembly is adjusted separate from the tensioning assembly such that additional tension applied to the conveyor belt does not affect the previously selected tracking adjustment. The conveyor construction includes a center drive unit having only a single drive roller, a guide roller and a tensioning roller. The tensioning roller position is controlled by a pair of spaced tensioning cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2005
    Assignee: Dorner Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Ertel, Scott M. Hall
  • Patent number: 6966428
    Abstract: A takeout arm assembly (10) for an I.S. glass container forming machine, the arm assembly having a housing (14) that is oscillatable about a fixed shaft (12). The housing has a split first pulley (16a/16b) that is coaxial with the fixed shaft and oscillatable with the housing, and a second pulley (18) that is positioned within and is rotatable with respect to the housing, the second pulley being spaced from the first pulley with the axes of the first and second pulleys being parallel to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2005
    Assignee: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.
    Inventor: Robin L. Flynn
  • Patent number: 6958452
    Abstract: A weighing conveyor having an increased weighing accuracy. This conveyor includes a conveyor apparatus 3 for transporting an article X to be weighed, a load detector 5 for detecting the weight of the article X to be weighed, and a housing 7 for accommodating the load detector 5, in which a fixed end 5b of the load detector is connected with the housing 7 and a free end 5c thereof is connected with a support member 120 for supporting the conveyor apparatus 3, and the support member 120 protrudes outwardly of the housing 7 from a bottom surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6957735
    Abstract: An pneumatic tensioner apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus including: a main drive belt; a chuck assembly, suspended from the main drive belt, having a spinning member and a drive contact portion; a first frictional drive belt in a first track, the first frictional drive belt in contact with the drive contact portion operative to spin the chuck assembly; and a first tension adjusting device having at least one pneumatic tension adjustment member operative to apply pressure to the first frictional drive belt tangentially to the drive contact portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Graham Packaging, L.P.
    Inventors: Russell Varone, Michael Deitz
  • Patent number: 6899606
    Abstract: A rotary grinding machine includes a rotary grinding member for grinding a workpiece on a workpiece feeding member. The grinding member is coupled with an output shaft of a motor through a drive transmission mechanism. The feeding member is coupled with the output shaft of the motor through a reduction gear mechanism, a transmission shaft and an endless tensible transmission member. To maintain an operating tension of the tensible transmission member when the feeding member is moved relative to the grinding member, a tensioning mechanism is disposed to enable effective transmission of a drive force from the reduction gear mechanism to the feeding member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Inventors: Juei-Seng Liao, Pei-Lieh Chiang
  • Patent number: 6871737
    Abstract: A conveyor construction that includes a conveyor frame assembly formed from a pair of spaced side frame members interconnected with each other by spaced cross members. The upper bed of the conveyor frame assembly is formed from individual bed plate strips attached to each of the cross members. The width of the conveyor frame assembly can be modified by the proper selection of the number of bed plate strips. The conveyor frame assembly includes a separate tensioning assembly and tracking adjustment assembly. The tracking adjustment assembly is adjusted separate from the tensioning assembly such that additional tension applied to the conveyor belt does not affect the previously selected tracking adjustment. The conveyor construction includes a center drive unit having only a single drive roller, a guide roller and a tensioning roller. The tensioning roller position is controlled by a pair of spaced tensioning cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Dorner Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Ertel, Scott M. Hall
  • Patent number: 6871850
    Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus and a method of tensioning a flat web of material to be conveyed, in particular in a printing and dispensing device for labels, which includes: a drive for advancing and retracting the flat web of material, and at least one advance unit and at least one braking unit having a braking roller which are in contact with the web of material and which are drivable by the drive means. It is further provided that the drive has a drive motor that is drivingly connected to the advance unit and the braking unit and that, in a conveyor operation in the advance direction of the web of material, the braking roller of the braking unit is uncoupled from the drive motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2005
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Johannes Lenkl
  • Patent number: 6860382
    Abstract: A pulley adjusting system having a housing having an opening on a surface thereof, and an insert having an opening on a surface thereof. The insert and the housing are slidably connected. The insert is operatively connected to a belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Inventor: William Wiedenheft
  • Patent number: 6843365
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Paragon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy R. Baker
  • Publication number: 20040238331
    Abstract: A pulley adjusting system having a housing having an opening on a surface thereof, and an insert having an opening on a surface thereof. The insert and the housing are slidably connected. The insert is operatively connected to a belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventor: William Wiedenheft
  • Publication number: 20040231965
    Abstract: A bladed pulley including a plurality of blades extending from a first end to a second end. The bladed pulley having spaced apart blades and an open, central volume configuration to permit conveyed material to fall through the pulley. The bladed pulley further having orienting members located at the ends of the pulley, the orienting members including slots that radially orient and position each of the blades about a longitudinal axis of the bladed pulley. Ends of the blades define bores configured to receive bearing or hub components. The bladed pulley may include retaining members to retain the bearing or hub components within the bores defined by the ends of the blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Publication date: November 25, 2004
    Inventors: Paul W. Dow, Steven S. Dow, Christopher M. Schloesser
  • Patent number: 6802414
    Abstract: Chain conveyors in an agricultural harvesting machine can be tensioned by means of a tension adjusting device including an adjusting unit which is coupled to a displaceable shaft via a linkage means or connector members. The adjusting units are advantageously hydraulic cylinders controlled in synchronism. The hydraulic cylinders can be mutually independently pressurized via bypass lines incorporating control valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2004
    Assignee: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert Buhne
  • Publication number: 20040188228
    Abstract: A bladed pulley including a plurality of blades extending from a first end to a second end. The bladed pulley having spaced apart blades and an open, central volume configuration to permit conveyed material to fall through the pulley. The bladed pulley further having an orienting structure designed to radially orient and position each of the blades about a longitudinal axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Paul W. Dow, Steven S. Dow
  • Patent number: 6796419
    Abstract: A belt tensioning assembly for use with a power transmission system including a belt extending between a driver pulley and a driven pulley is provided. The tensioning assembly includes an idler engageable with the belt and rotatably attached to a frame pivotally secured to a base for the power transmission system adjacent the driver pulley. A biasing assembly is pivotally attached between the frame and the base for the transmission system and includes a biasing mechanism adapted to urge the idler contact with into the belt. As the tension in the belt changes due to changes in the power demand, the idler is automatically urged with varying force against the slack side of the belt by the biasing mechanism to provide near constant tension on the belt as it moves between the pulleys.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Inventors: Eugene Sousek, Charles Catlin, Greg Beck
  • Publication number: 20040149547
    Abstract: An unloading end frame of a die-loading belt conveyor comprising means about which the belt winds at least partially during motion thereof, wherein the means comprise a plurality of small-diameter rollers (3) arranged consecutively to one another, each of which is supported at ends thereof by support elements (4). The small-diamater rollers (3) are arranged consecutively to one another in such a way that axes thereof form a broken line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Inventor: Umberto Giovanardi
  • Publication number: 20040118663
    Abstract: A conveyor side rail consisting of a rack and pinion assembly; a first side rail section having lateral sides, having a longitudinal end, and having a hollow space between the lateral sides, the rack and pinion assembly being housed within the hollow space, the hollow space opening laterally for application of torque for pinion rotation, the hollow space further opening longitudinally for alternate rack extension and retraction; a second side rail section having a longitudinal end; a telescoping slide channel and slide ridge assembly interconnecting the first and second side rail sections, the slide channel and slide ridge assembly aligning the first and second side rail sections so that the hollow space's longitudinal opening faces the second side rail section's longitudinal end; and a releasable lock further interconnecting the first and second side rail sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Applicant: BUNTING MAGNETICS CO.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Gaeddert, Paul Svoboda
  • Patent number: 6752261
    Abstract: A conveyor side rail consisting of a rack and pinion assembly; a first side rail section having lateral sides, having a longitudinal end, and having a hollow space between the lateral sides, the rack and pinion assembly being housed within the hollow space, the hollow space opening laterally for application of torque for pinion rotation, the hollow space further opening longitudinally for alternate rack extension and retraction; a second side rail section having a longitudinal end; a telescoping slide channel and slide ridge assembly interconnecting the first and second side rail sections, the slide channel and slide ridge assembly aligning the first and second side rail sections so that the hollow space's longitudinal opening faces the second side rail section's longitudinal end; and a releasable lock further interconnecting the first and second side rail sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2004
    Assignee: Bunting Magnetics Co.
    Inventors: Thomas J. Gaeddert, Paul Svoboda
  • Patent number: 6726532
    Abstract: A tensioning assembly for a polishing belt on a linear chemical mechanical polishing apparatus. The tensioning assembly comprises first and second rollers which are operably engaged by respective air cylinders and exert a selected degree of downward tension on the lower run of the horizontal polishing belt. A third roller biased typically by a spring pushes upwardly on the lower run of the belt between the first and second rollers. Accordingly, the first and second rollers, in conjunction with the third roller, tension the belt on the apparatus to maintain optimum material removal rates and uniformity. The degree of tension exerted on the belt can be varied according to stretching of the belt resulting from prolonged use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Hun Lin, Tien-Chen Hu, Tso-Hsu Lin, Hong-Chin Pu, Jeng-Fang Chang, Der-Yuan Hong
  • Patent number: 6708817
    Abstract: A drive and tensioning station (10) of a chain scraper conveyor for mining operations with a machine frame base (20) having side cheeks (21) and a conveyor base (22), connected to a line of pans of the chain scraper conveyor, with a tensioning frame head (50) which can be moved in the direction of the line of pans, in whose side cheek plates (51) can be mounted the chain drum (3) for the scraper chain, and with a tensioning drive having at least one tensioning cylinder (6) to move the tensioning frame head (50) relative to the machine frame base (20). The tensioning frame head (50) has a box-like drawer (60) extending out over the side cheek plates (51) toward the pan connecting side, which is guided in a type of drawer guide (26) on the machine frame base (20) and that on the tensioning frame head (50) a top run pan (70) forming a drag plate in the top run (4) and/or a bottom run box (40) forming a drag base in the bottom run are removably fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: DBT GmbH
    Inventors: Adam Klabisch, Gerhard Merten, Hans Meya
  • Patent number: 6708813
    Abstract: A product sorter for diverting products (M) towards a plurality of positions by performing an up and down pivotal movement about an axis of rotation (G3) while the products (M) are successively transported includes a transport conveyor (2) adapted to be bent and including a conveyor frame (21), a rotatory drive body (22) mounted on one of opposite ends of the conveyor frame (21), a rotatory driven body (23) mounted on the other of the opposite ends of the conveyor frame (21), and an endless transport belt (24) trained around and between the rotatory drive and driven bodies (22, 23), a drive source (5) for driving the rotatory drive body (22) to drive the transport belt (24); and an actuator (6) for pivoting the support framework (3) up and down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Ishida Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Takahashi
  • Patent number: 6695124
    Abstract: A chamber-type vacuum packaging machine (20) equipped with a conveyor assembly (28) is provided which has increased productivity and ease of use inasmuch as the assembly (28) permits rapid assembly-line transfer of packages between the loading station (52) and the sealing station (60) of the machine (20). The assembly (28) includes a continuous belt (90) presenting an upper run (94) and a lower run (96) together with end-mounted roller assemblies (98, 100) which support the belt (90) and permit selective shifting of the upper run (94) between the stations (52, 60) in order to transfer loaded packages to be sealed to the sealing station (60). In order to facilitate mounting of the assembly (28) and periodic breakdown thereof for cleaning and/or replacement of belt (90), the assembly (28) is configured so that the upper and lower runs (94, 96) are both located atop the table (24) of the machine (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Koch Equipment LLC
    Inventor: John Scott Nixon
  • Patent number: 6695130
    Abstract: A chain conveyor having an idler shaft mounted to a carriage which is mounted to a frame for sliding motion along the direction of a chain conveyor bed. Hydraulic cylinders extend between the frame and the carriage and are constantly supplied with hydraulic oil at relatively low pressure such as can be developed with ordinary shop air pressure applied to an air-oil tank The hydraulic lines supplying fluid to the hydraulic cylinders have check valves which only allow hydraulic fluid into the cylinders, thus allowing the cylinders only to move the carriage on which the idler shaft is mounted away from the drive shaft. When the chain conveyor is momentarily reversed, the entire loaded weight of the conveyor is now applied to the idler shaft, however, the check valves prevent hydraulic fluid from leaving the hydraulic cylinders, thus preventing any motion of the carriage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Dan E. Blaylock, Don F. Lewis
  • Patent number: 6685009
    Abstract: A conveyor construction includes a frame having a pair of side members, a belt and a tensioning section mounted for longitudinal extendable and retractable movement relative to the frame for establishing a desired tension on the belt. The tensioning section includes a spindle engaged with the belt and a pair of side plate structures connected to the spindle and located one adjacent each frame side member. A drive member is rotatably mounted relative to the frame and is drivingly engaged with the tensioning section for imparting longitudinal extendable and retractable movement relative to the frame upon rotation of the drive member. A locking device inserts a frictional locking force on the side plate structures relative to the frame side members for selectively fixing the position of the tensioning section relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Dorner Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Michael A. Hosch, Scott M. Hall, Daniel E. Ertel
  • Patent number: 6681923
    Abstract: A method and conveying device for mounting and removing a conveyor belt or web, particularly for a printing press. A shell-shaped sub-carrier is attached to each front side of a frame of a printing press, and the conveyor belt or web is mounted or removed from this frame via the sub-carriers. The invention makes it possible for a single operator of a machine to simply and quickly change the conveyor belt or web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: NexPress Solutions LLC
    Inventor: Lennardt Jader
  • Publication number: 20030183493
    Abstract: A conveyor construction that includes a conveyor frame assembly formed from a pair of spaced side frame members interconnected with each other by spaced cross members. The upper bed of the conveyor frame assembly is formed from individual bed plate strips attached to each of the cross members. The width of the conveyor frame assembly can be modified by the proper selection of the number of bed plate strips. The conveyor frame assembly includes a separate tensioning assembly and tracking adjustment assembly. The tracking adjustment assembly is adjusted separate from the tensioning assembly such that additional tension applied to the conveyor belt does not affect the previously selected tracking adjustment. The conveyor construction includes a center drive unit having only a single drive roller, a guide roller and a tensioning roller. The tensioning roller position is controlled by a pair of spaced tensioning cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Inventors: Daniel E. Ertel, Scott M. Hall
  • Patent number: 6612419
    Abstract: A low-profile tensioner for a conveyor belt scraper that utilizes an elastomeric collar having a force storing means in the form of a series of spokes, wherein the elastomeric collar is tensioned and then connected to the rotatable shaft of the conveyor belt scraper assembly to bias the scraper against the surface of the conveyor belt while providing adequate space around the tensioner to allow for the easy adjustment or maintenance of the tensioner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Arch Environmental Equipment, Inc.
    Inventor: Gregory K. Watson
  • Patent number: 6601692
    Abstract: A device is provided for cleaning an endless conveyor. The device includes an endless brush belt engageable with the endless conveyor. A tension mechanism is provided for placing a tension on the endless brush belt. A clutch mechanism is operatively connected to the tension mechanism. The clutch mechanism prevents the placement of additional tension on the endless brush belt in response to tension exceeding a predetermined maximum tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Schaefer Brush Manufacturing
    Inventors: Harold G. Schaefer, Anthony A. Brooks
  • Patent number: 6598736
    Abstract: An improved tension control apparatus for use in an aero-mechanical conveyor for moving bulk materials includes spaced-apart inflow and outflow conveyor tubes interconnecting the upper and lower housings of the conveyor. A bracket cooperates with the conveyor tubes. A guide sleeve is carried by the bracket for receiving a push rod. The push rod extends along the length of the conveyor tubes from the guide sleeve to the upper housing and includes an upper end engaging the head pulley assembly and a lower end extending through the guide sleeve. A tensioning assembly engages the push rod and is carried by the bracket for urging the push rod against the head pulley assembly, thereby urging the head pulley assembly away from the tail pulley assembly and maintaining tension in the rope assembly. Two dust cap seals interconnect the conveyor tubes with the upper housing to reduce particulate emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Spiroflow Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Ellis, David Francis Hesketh
  • Publication number: 20030111324
    Abstract: The invention consists of a modular conveyor formed by a number of removably attachable conveyor sections, which form an elongated, endless conveyor. There is a drive section at one end, having a drive motor and a drive roller and an end section having an end roller at the opposite end. A number of intermediate sections are located between the drive section and the end section. Each intermediate section contains a frame, one or more support legs, a coupling mechanism to couple to adjacent sections, and a belt support. The belt support is preferably a roller. An endless conveyor belt is mounted over the frames, the drive roller, and the end roller. The endless conveyor belt also passes between the frame and the belt support and is held at tension by the belt support.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2003
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Donald S. Thurston, Gary M. Cardno
  • Patent number: 6578705
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for quickly and efficiently disassembling a conveyor belt system. The conveyor belt rotates about pulleys which are mounted on a first frame. A drive pulley is mounted on a second frame. When assembled, the drive pulley mounted on the second frame contacts the conveyor belt system causing it to tighten around the pulleys mounted on the first frame. The first and second frames are held together by a quick release mechanism. When the quick release mechanism is released, the first and second frames can be separated and the conveyor belt tension is released and the conveyor belt may be easily removed from the pulleys mounted on the first frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Eldetco, Inc.
    Inventor: Don Lunghi
  • Publication number: 20030075417
    Abstract: A method for controlling the run-up of a conveyor belt (2), wherein the set point value of the speed of the belt (v*) of a driving drum (4) is increased over a first period of time (t1) by means of rising acceleration (a*) and over a second period of time (t2) by means of falling acceleration (a*). The curve of acceleration (a*) in relation to time (t) is positive for the second time period (t2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventors: Norbert Becker, Ingemar Neuffer
  • Publication number: 20030052445
    Abstract: A device for tensioning first and second transport belts in a folder of a rotary printing press including mutually independent transport belt systems wherein the first and second transport belts are disposed, includes a tensioning unit for tensioning the first and second transport belts. The tensioning unit is disposed between the first transport belt and the second transport belt and serves for acting thereon with a force that tensions the first and second transport belts simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventors: Jean-Francois Robert, Thierry Vauchelle
  • Patent number: 6520321
    Abstract: The invention disclosed consists of a modular conveyor formed by a number of removably attachable conveyor sections, which form an elongated, endless conveyor. Each section contains a frame, a guide roller, and a plurality of legs. A drive roller is attached adjacent to the conveyor section located at one end of the elongated endless conveyor and an end roller is attached adjacent to the conveyor section at the opposite end of the elongated endless conveyor. An endless conveyor belt is mounted over the frames, the drive roller, and the end roller. The endless conveyor belt is further supported by the guide rollers. A drive motor is connected to the drive roller to provide motive power to drive the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventors: Donald S. Thurston, Gary M. Cardno
  • Patent number: 6516941
    Abstract: Chain conveyors in an agricultural harvesting machine can be tensioned by means of a tension adjusting device including an adjusting unit which is coupled to a displaceable shaft via a linkage means or connector members. The adjusting units are advantageously hydraulic cylinders controlled in synchronism. The hydraulic cylinders can be mutually independently pressurized via bypass lines incorporating control valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: Claas Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert Buhne
  • Publication number: 20030015405
    Abstract: Chain conveyors in an agricultural harvesting machine can be tensioned by means of a tension adjusting device including an adjusting unit which is coupled to a displaceable shaft via a linkage means or connector members. The adjusting units are advantageously hydraulic cylinders controlled in synchronism. The hydraulic cylinders can be mutually independently pressurized via bypass lines incorporating control valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: CLAAS Selbstfahrende Erntemaschinen GmbH
    Inventor: Hubert Buhne
  • Publication number: 20020175054
    Abstract: An improved tension control apparatus for use in an aero-mechanical conveyor for moving bulk materials includes spaced-apart inflow and outflow conveyor tubes interconnecting the upper and lower housings of the conveyor. A bracket cooperates with the conveyor tubes. A guide sleeve is carried by the bracket for receiving a push rod. The push rod extends along the length of the conveyor tubes from the guide sleeve to the upper housing and includes an upper end engaging the head pulley assembly and a lower end extending through the guide sleeve. A tensioning assembly engages the push rod and is carried by the bracket for urging the push rod against the head pulley assembly, thereby urging the head pulley assembly away from the tail pulley assembly and maintaining tension in the rope assembly. Two dust cap seals interconnect the conveyor tubes with the upper housing to reduce particulate emissions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2002
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventors: Peter J. Ellis, David Francis Hesketh
  • Patent number: 6478161
    Abstract: An eddy current separator apparatus for separating non-ferrous metals from other materials. The apparatus includes a support frame and a table cantileverly suspended from the frame. An expansion and contraction mechanism is incorporated that is adapted to accept a continuous conveyor belt thereabout. The expansion and contraction mechanism is capable of being configured between an operating configuration and maintenance configuration. A continuous conveyor belt is constructed to be able to be looped about the expansion and contraction mechanism and the table such that the conveyor belt is drawn tight in the operating configuration and slackened in the maintenance configuration. In this manner, the continuous conveyor belt is easily removable from, and installable onto the table in the maintenance configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Billy R. Howell
  • Patent number: 6471032
    Abstract: An elevator for bulk material includes an elevator head that mounts a mass flow measuring device. The elevator head also supports the upper sprocket of the elevator. The elevator head is pivotable thereby permitting adjustment of the elevator chain tension without altering the spatial relationship between the elevator paddles, the top of the elevator head and the sensor surface of the mass flow measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Assignee: New Holland North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart Busschaert, Bart Marie Antoon Missotten, Serge Odon Deleersnyder, Cyriel Richard Jozef De Busscher
  • Patent number: 6460685
    Abstract: Conveyors for clothes hangers are provided comprising an endless chain constructed from a plurality of chain links and runs between a first return axis at one end of the conveyor and a second return axis at the other end of the conveyor, so that the chain, guided around the return axes, is divided into upper and lower portions, the hanging hooks of the clothes hangers resting in depressions in the chain links constituting the upper chain portion, and a drive motor driving the chain in the desired direction. The chain portion is arranged to be deflected laterally by deflecting members so that a deflected part of the lower chain portion runs parallel and laterally displaced in relation to its upper portion, and the drive wheel is in driving engagement with the deflected part of the lower chain portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Jensen Sweden AB
    Inventors: Magnus Johansson, Carl-Magnus Jacobsson
  • Patent number: 6439377
    Abstract: An improved tension control apparatus for use in an aero-mechanical conveyor for moving bulk materials, the conveyor including upper and lower housings, head and tail pulley assemblies mounted on respective shafts positioned within the upper and lower housings, respectively, spaced-apart inflow and outflow conveyor tubes interconnecting the upper and lower housings, and an endless rope assembly disposed within the conveyor tubes and around the head and tail pulleys. The improvement includes a bracket cooperating with the inflow and outflow conveyor tubes. A guide sleeve is carried by the bracket for receiving a push rod. The push rod extends along the length of the conveyor tubes from the guide sleeve to the upper housing and includes an upper end engaging the head pulley assembly and a lower end extending through the guide sleeve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Spiroflow Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter J. Ellis, David Francis Hesketh
  • Publication number: 20020074214
    Abstract: A drive and tensioning station (10) of a chain scraper conveyor for mining operations with a machine frame base (20) having side cheeks (21) and a conveyor base (22), connected to a line of pans of the chain scraper conveyor, with a tensioning frame head (50) which can be moved in the direction of the line of pans, in whose side cheek plates (51) can be mounted the chain drum (3) for the scraper chain, and with a tensioning drive having at least one tensioning cylinder (6) to move the tensioning frame head (50) relative to the machine frame base (20). The tensioning frame head (50) has a box-like drawer (60) extending out over the side cheek plates (51) toward the pan connecting side, which is guided in a type of drawer guide (26) on the machine frame base (20) and that on the tensioning frame head (50) a top run pan (70) forming a drag plate in the top run (4) and/or a bottom run box (40) forming a drag base in the bottom run are removably fastened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Adam Klabisch, Gerhard Merten, Hans Meya
  • Publication number: 20020070101
    Abstract: A tensioning mechanism for conveyor chains of the link and roller pin type wherein the mechanism has a roller shaped chain guide having a peripheral journal surface which can be forced against a loop of the chain to tension the chain, and wherein a control structure is provided for angularly positioning the chain guide about an axis to present different and desired wear portions of the journal surface to the chain roller pins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Mark A. Hicks, Marianne Hicks