Having Upwardly Facing Trough Configuration In Transverse Direction On Conveying Reach Patents (Class 198/818)
  • Patent number: 11111079
    Abstract: A draper belt (8) having a carry layer (14), a pulley cover layer (13), and a reinforcing layer (12) which is situated between the carry layer (14) and the pulley cover layer (13). The carry layer (14) includes a plurality of cleats (7) which are reinforced with reinforcing rods (15). The draper belt (8) has a first edge section (16), a second edge section (17), and a center section (18) located between the first edge section (16) and the second edge section (17). The first edge section (16) and the second edge section (17) of the draper belt (8) each have a modulus that is at least three times greater than the modulus of the center section (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: ContiTech Transportbandsysteme GmbH
    Inventor: Alan C. Echtenkamp
  • Patent number: 10091944
    Abstract: A belt-roller arrangement with a deflecting roller and an endless flexible belt and a method for guiding such a belt over such a roller are disclosed. The roller body of the roller includes two deformable roller body segments and a rigid roller body segment part which is—in an axial direction—positioned between these two deformable segments. The belt is entirely guided over the central rigid segment part and at least partially over both deformable segments. The belt run is automatically corrected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: FORAGE COMPANY B.V.
    Inventor: Willem Jacobus Reijersen Van Buuren
  • Patent number: 9771219
    Abstract: A conveyor belt, in particular a pouch conveyor belt, with a first layer, which comprises a material with high flexibility, and to a conveying installation, in particular a pouch conveying installation, with such a conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2017
    Assignee: ContiTech Transportbandsysteme GmbH
    Inventors: Georg Müller, Daniel Vazquez-Maggio
  • Patent number: 8985317
    Abstract: A bay for a belt conveyor structure, the bay includes a transverse support stand having a first part that is positionable adjacent one longitudinal edge of the belt. The transverse support stand also includes a second part that is positionable adjacent the other longitudinal edge of the belt. A third part of the transverse support stand spans between the first part and the second part. The bay also includes a stringer having a proximal end removeably attachable to the stand and a distal end which is for engagement with a subsequent bay. The proximal end of the stringer is attachable to the first part of the stand at at least two spaced apart locations. The proximal end of the stringer is also attachable to the third part of the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew Jon Martin
  • Patent number: 8910779
    Abstract: A conveyor device with an elastic load-bearing means guided between a drive and a return roller which are spaced apart parallel to and opposite one another, wherein the load-bearing means circulates endlessly in a carrying run and a lower run, is flexible in all directions and is configured to receive articles to be conveyed, and which can be driven in a conveying direction by drive trains disposed on longitudinal edges of the load-bearing means, characterised in that a support means for the carrying run is located between the carrying run and the lower run, wherein the drive trains are stretched to a greater extent than a region of the load-bearing means located between them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Beumer GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heino Heitplatz, Jan Josef Jesper
  • Publication number: 20140197009
    Abstract: A conveyor means with an elastic load-bearing means guided between two drive and return rollers which are spaced apart parallel to and opposite one another, wherein the load-bearing means circulates endlessly in a carrying run and a lower run, is flexible in all directions and is configured to receive articles to be conveyed, and which can be driven in a conveying direction by means of drive trains disposed on longitudinal edges of the load-bearing means, characterised in that a support means for the carrying run is located between the carrying run and the lower run, wherein the drive trains are stretched to a greater extent than a region of the load-bearing means located between them.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: BEUMER GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Heino HEITPLATZ, Jan Josef JESPER
  • Patent number: 8727108
    Abstract: A belt conveyor apparatus includes a tube sloping from a hopper at the lower intake. A belt passes along a floor of the hopper then up through the tube. The hopper floor has edge portions curving upward such that as the belt moves along the floor, side portions of the belt curve upward. Hopper sidewalls extend upward and outward from bottom inner edges thereof located above right and left sides of the middle portion of the belt, and outer edges of the belt are thus located under the sidewalls. Seal strips are to the sidewalls with lower edges sealing to right and left sides of the middle portion of the belt such that pockets are formed under the sidewalls between the curved side portions of the belt and the seal strips. A trap opening in the tube also allows oilseeds to drop out of the tube from under the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Adrianus Dekoning
  • Patent number: 8616364
    Abstract: A crop delivery system for a harvester including a vessel positioned in a harvester for securing a crop therein. A first tube has a first angled orientation and configured to receive the crop from the vessel. A second tube has a second angled orientation. A transition area is positioned between the first tube and the second tube. A continuous belt extends from the first tube to the second tube. A portion of the belt carrying the crop between the first tube and the second tube is structurally supported and substantially covered by the first tube, the second tube and the transition area. The transition area includes a roller positioned substantially transverse to the first tube and the second tube and in contact with the belt, the roller forming a substantially flat bend area in the belt for transitioning the belt from the first angled orientation to the second angled orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventor: Edward H. Priepke
  • Patent number: 8434612
    Abstract: The postal sorting machine has sorting outlets in which mailpieces are accumulated, said sorting outlets being disposed in line along a certain longitudinal axis. It further includes a recirculation device for recirculating the mailpieces stored in the sorting outlets, this device comprising a belt (40) mounted to move along the sorting outlets and to which cleats (41, 42) are fastened to define a succession of compartments (4a, 4b, 4c) that face respective ones of the sorting outlets, each compartment being arranged to store, on edge, mailpieces taken from a corresponding sorting outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Solystic
    Inventor: Damien Hugues
  • Patent number: 8177053
    Abstract: An air cushion conveyor stacker reclaimer device and a method thereof, wherein burial of enclosed air cushion outfeed conveyors eliminates the need for costly, reinforced underground tunnels and walkways, wherein overhead suspension of air cushion infeed conveyors eliminates the need for construction of raised walkways and costly ground support structures, wherein lightweight air cushion conveyor stacker devices eliminate the need for massive counterweights, and wherein the fully exploited method for stacking and reclaiming bulk materials via enclosed tubular components, stacking boom curtains, and/or domed enclosures essentially eliminates adverse environmental impact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Inventors: Kevin Hood, Bengt Nilsson, Steven Bennett
  • Patent number: 8177055
    Abstract: A conveyor includes at least one conveyor support apparatus. Each conveyor support apparatus includes one or more bases and a plurality of supports adjacent to the at least one base. The supports are comprised of concrete. The supports extend vertically from the base. One or more idlers are connected to the supports for supporting a moveable belt. The moveable belt is supported by the one or more idlers for movement such that the moveable belt is able to move material. A method of providing conveyors and concrete support apparatuses that may be used in such conveyors are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: FLSMIDTH A/S
    Inventor: Sergio Zamorano
  • Publication number: 20120000751
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an endless conveyor belt for a conveyor device, including a planar body (2) that is transversely deformable into a tubular configuration, the body (2) having a plurality of longitudinal reinforcing members built into the body thereof. According to the invention, said body (2) consists of an upper layer (10), a portion of the lower surface of which is combined with a lower layer (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2010
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Applicant: LIFTVRAC
    Inventor: Marcel Boursier
  • Patent number: 7967129
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Company
    Inventor: Robert Todd Swinderman
  • Patent number: 7886897
    Abstract: A protective cover for deployment within the interior of a conveyor truss of a conveyor belt-driven bulk material handler. The protective cover comprises an apical support member configured for resilient attachment to an upper, central truss member of the conveyor truss such that the apical support member hangs above the conveyor belt when the cover is deployed. The cover comprises a pair of parallel support members, each configured for fixed attachment to opposite lateral conveyor truss members. The apical support member and the parallel support members together form a triangular arrangement of support members within the conveyor truss when the cover is deployed. Also provided is a rectangular sheet of protective material having a means for attachment of opposite sides thereof to a corresponding member of the pair of parallel support members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Thor Global Enterprises Ltd.
    Inventor: Thor Johanssen
  • Publication number: 20110000767
    Abstract: A conveyor, comprising a conveying face with a side guard which is formed with a series of wall parts (3A, 3B) extending in conveying direction and upstanding transversely to the conveying direction. In each case, at least two wall parts over-lap in conveying direction at least partly in a fan-like manner at a top side remote from the conveying face. Wall parts in the series mutually differ at least their top sides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventors: Leonardus Adrianus Catharinus Cornelissen, Ronald Sigmond
  • Patent number: 7743914
    Abstract: A dust tight closed type belt conveyor for conveying dust contained materials to be scattered out during operation; which comprises the conveyor belt supported in a form of concave by a plurality of rollers and a plurality of glide plates and also the bulged cover roof closing the upside space over the conveyor belt, so that all make a dust tight and closed conveying space extending in the driving direction. Further, the belt conveyor is preferably provided with a system for avoiding the belt meandering motion causing a harder dust scattering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Yoko Inc.
    Inventors: Hideharu Nagahama, Shogo Nagahama, Akira Nagahama, Masakazu Tsukamoto, Koji Fujioka
  • Patent number: 7614494
    Abstract: An improved trough roller assembly for use in a continuous belt conveyor system comprises a pair of shafts disposed in a generally x-shaped configuration to support the moving belt in the upper flight section of the conveyor system and define the desired trough shape for carrying bulk materials thereon. The ends of the shafts, which are preferably made out of cold-rolled steel, rotatably connect to bearing assemblies that are cooperatively positioned on or in a pair of spaced apart support members that are mounted in a generally upright position on a frame member of the conveyor system. The bearing assemblies have a sealed bearing to reduce the likelihood of clogging or other damage from dust, bulk material or other debris that may be present. In an alternative embodiment, the support members are telescoping to allow the user to selectively change the trough shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Inventor: Michael D. Hinson
  • Patent number: 7571803
    Abstract: A bearing unit for a conveying installation for the transport of goods by way of a conveyor belt that is guided at the two ends of the installation by deflection drums and which is fastened to the underside of spaced-apart, transverse carrying beams. Running rollers are mounted to the two ends of the carrying beams. The rollers are mounted on bearing journals and they roll along two pairs of carrying ropes or carrying rails of the conveying installation along a forward and a return strand of the conveyor belt. A bearing bolt of the bearing units has an extension which is fastened releasably to the assigned carrying beam. The extension is an upwardly open trough, onto which the assigned end of the carrying beam is placed and releasably fastened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2009
    Assignee: Innova Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Trieb
  • Patent number: 7530451
    Abstract: The invention concerns a support station (12) of a conveyor belt comprising a base (20) supported on the floor and a cradle (22) guiding the belt (14) supported by the base. The base (20) comprises at least one concrete beam (30). The invention is applicable to a conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: René Brunone
  • Patent number: 7503452
    Abstract: An improved return roller assembly for use in a continuous belt conveyor system comprises a shaft disposed between a pair of sealed bearing assemblies that are mounted to the underside of a frame member to define the return flight section of the conveyor system so as to support and guide the conveyor belt. The ends of the shaft, which is preferably made out of cold-rolled steel, connect to bearings that are rotatably disposed in the bearing housing. Preferably, the bearing assemblies have a sealed bearing to reduce the likelihood of clogging or other damage from dust, bulk material or other debris that may be present and, therefore, reduce the cost and downtime associated with maintenance and repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Inventor: Michael D. Hinson
  • Patent number: 7467707
    Abstract: A conveyor support apparatus comprising adjustable stanchions with slots or holes; bars, each bar comprising a wear surface and an impact cushion; a frame; brackets; cross members; and lock bolts. The bars can be parallel to or perpendicular to the direction of conveyor belt travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Inventor: Warren T. Gabhart
  • Patent number: 7422100
    Abstract: Apparatuses designed to provide support to a conveyor belt in a new manner. In a first illustrative embodiment, a conveyor belt is supported by a number of magnets. A first set of magnets are disposed on the edges of the conveyor belt, and a second set of magnets are disposed on a support apparatus for the conveyor belt. The first and second sets of magnets interact to create repulsive forces that provide both lateral and vertical support to the conveyor belt. Tension provided by the lateral forces can help the belt move smoothly and with less wear than the support provided by existing support idlers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Jon Forman
  • Publication number: 20080128248
    Abstract: A sorting device and a method for sorting goods in transit for an aircraft are disclosed. The sorting device includes a sorting region with a sorting unit and a storage region. The sorting region is adapted such that goods in transit are capable of being provided to the sorting region in an undetermined first arrangement. The sorting region includes a longitudinal axis, where a sorting unit may be moved along the longitudinal axis of the sorting region. The sorting unit is capable of sorting the goods in transit from an undetermined first arrangement to a predetermined second arrangement, where the goods in transit may be provided in the predetermined second arrangement in the storage region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: Airbus Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Hoffjann, Hansgeorg Schuldzig
  • Patent number: 7347319
    Abstract: The subject of the invention is a retention device for a conveyor roller, characterised in that the roller (7) is mounted on a tilting support (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: Societe Financiere de Gestion
    Inventors: Herve Simoens, Olivier Lacroix
  • Publication number: 20070284227
    Abstract: An improved return roller assembly for use in a continuous belt conveyor system comprises a shaft disposed between a pair of sealed bearing assemblies that are mounted to the underside of a frame member to define the return flight section of the conveyor system so as to support and guide the conveyor belt. The ends of the shaft, which is preferably made out of cold-rolled steel, connect to bearings that are rotatably disposed in the bearing housing. Preferably, the bearing assemblies have a sealed bearing to reduce the likelihood of clogging or other damage from dust, bulk material or other debris that may be present and, therefore, reduce the cost and downtime associated with maintenance and repair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Michael D. Hinson
  • Publication number: 20070284226
    Abstract: An improved trough roller assembly for use in a continuous belt conveyor system comprises a pair of shafts disposed in a generally x-shaped configuration to support the moving belt in the upper flight section of the conveyor system and define the desired trough shape for carrying bulk materials thereon. The ends of the shafts, which are preferably made out of cold-rolled steel, rotatably connect to bearing assemblies that are cooperatively positioned on or in a pair of spaced apart support members that are mounted in a generally upright position on a frame member of the conveyor system. The bearing assemblies have a sealed bearing to reduce the likelihood of clogging or other damage from dust, bulk material or other debris that may be present. In an alternative embodiment, the support members are telescoping to allow the user to selectively change the trough shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: Michael D. Hinson
  • Patent number: 7281625
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for a street sweeper having a conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly has a pair of rollers and a conveyor belt connected therebetween. The conveyor assembly is provided with debris skirts to lift the edge of the conveyor belt to prevent debris from traveling over the edge of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is formed into a concave orientation. The debris skirts is also connected to a rub rail to provide a dynamic seal along the length of the conveyor belt edges. The conveyor assembly is also provided with a roller scraper for removing debris accumulated upon the rollers. The roller scraper is adapted to envelop a portion of the roller. The conveyor assembly is also provided with a liquid delivery system for assisting in the removal of debris from the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Tennant
    Inventors: Michael Steward Wilmo, Joseph Kenneth Krueger
  • Patent number: 7243801
    Abstract: A system for separating pieces of plastic bag from ground yard debris and the like, e.g., asphalt shingles. A conveyor conveys the debris material along a conveyor path and an agitator bounces the conveyor to cause the lighter plastic to reposition to the top of the material on the conveyor. A suction tube end is positioned over the debris material following agitation to draw the plastic off the top of the material. The tube end is selectively adjustable to enable discriminate suction effect to draw off a maximum amount of plastic and a minimal amount of nonplastic recyclable debris.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Hawker Corporation
    Inventors: Oren R. Posner, Susan C. Posner, Bill Jones
  • Patent number: 7159708
    Abstract: Apparatuses designed to provide support to a conveyor belt in a new manner. In a first illustrative embodiment, a conveyor belt is supported by a number of magnets. A first set of magnets are disposed on the edges of the conveyor belt, and a second set of magnets are disposed on a support apparatus for the conveyor belt. The first and second sets of magnets interact to create repulsive forces that provide both lateral and vertical support to the conveyor belt. Tension provided by the lateral forces can help the belt move smoothly and with less wear than the support provided by existing support idlers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Jon Forman
  • Patent number: 7073661
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for a street sweeper having a conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly has a pair of rollers and a conveyor belt connected therebetween. The conveyor assembly is provided with debris skirts to lift the edge of the conveyor belt to prevent debris from traveling over the edge of the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is formed into a concave orientation. The debris skirts is also connected to a rub rail to provide a dynamic seal along the length of the conveyor belt edges. The conveyor assembly is also provided with a roller scraper for removing debris accumulated upon the rollers. The roller scraper is adapted to envelop a portion of the roller. The conveyor assembly is also provided with a liquid delivery system for assisting in the removal of debris from the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Tennant
    Inventors: Michael Steward Wilmo, Joseph Kenneth Krueger
  • Patent number: 6991093
    Abstract: This invention relates to an endless fold-over type of conveyor belt for use in conveying relatively-loose bulk material in an enclosed manner to prevent spillage, dusting and contamination of the material and allows the belt to operate at steep angles. The belt comprises essentially a rectangular uniform cross-sectional shape having a substantially greater width than thickness. Two similar arrays of longitudinal grooves are located on the side of the belt opposite to that carrying the load, the grooves being spaced on both sides of the belt medial portion to provide a pair of hinged areas for folding and unfolding the belt. The longitudinal grooves preferably are V-shaped or U-shaped and between one and five grooves may be provided in each array at about one-quarter the belt width from its edges to provide a pair of overlapping edge flaps to cover the medial area when in folded relation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2006
    Assignee: Imperial Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard W. Tschantz
  • Patent number: 6935490
    Abstract: A installation for transporting goods has a conveyor belt with supporting bars carried thereon transversely to the direction of movement of the conveyor belt. Two vertically spaced-apart supporting tracks are formed in each case by two supporting cables. Running rollers that are disposed at the lateral ends of the supporting bars can be moved along the two or more supporting cable pairs. The supporting cables are connected to one another by spaced-apart retaining frames, on which the supporting cables for the running rollers are fastened. At least one further supporting cable, on which the retaining frames are likewise fastened, is provided above the upper pair of supporting cables for the running rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Innova Patent GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Trieb
  • Patent number: 6811021
    Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt module with a unitary sideguard. The sideguard extends upward perpendicularly from the top conveying surface of a plastic module body. The sideguard extends longitudinally along the conveying surface with a leading edge laterally offset from a trailing edge. Wedge-shaped indentations formed at the leading and trailing edges allow the sideguards of leading and trailing belt modules in a conveyor belt to mesh and to overlap without interference as the belt backflexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Andrew A. Corley
  • Patent number: 6811023
    Abstract: A modular conveyor belt constructed of a series of rows of belt modules with a hinge formed in each row and aligned in the direction of belt travel with hinges of adjacent rows. The hinge allows the belt to conform to a non-coplanar carryway support to form, for example, a trough. In some versions, the hinge is a living hinge formed by flexible or thinned-out regions of the belt between rigid regions. In other versions, the hinge is formed by interleaved hinge eyes between modules along each row interconnected by a hinge pin along an axis oriented in the direction of belt travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Sandra A. Christiana, Andrew A. Corley, Robert S. Lapeyre
  • Publication number: 20040118661
    Abstract: A multipressure plenum system for supporting a conveyor belt of a gas supported belt conveyor and method of operation. The multipressure plenum system includes a multipressure plenum having a support surface including a plurality of apertures and a chamber in fluid communication with the apertures. The chamber of the plenum is in selective fluid communication with a first source of gas at a first pressure, and is in selective fluid communication with a second source of gas at a second pressure. Gas from the first source of gas at the first pressure flows through the apertures in the plenum to form a gas cushion which supports the conveyor belt above the plenum. Gas from the second source of gas at the second pressure selectively flows through the apertures in the plenum to provide additional support to the conveyor belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Publication date: June 24, 2004
    Inventors: R. Todd Swinderman, Gary D. Swearingen, James A. Hicks, Paul Grisley
  • Patent number: 6681921
    Abstract: An enclosed belt conveyor assembly comprising a head section, a tail section, and one or more intermediate conveyor sections assembled between the head section and the tail section. A tail pulley is mounted in the tail section and a head pulley is mounted in the head section. One or more idler pulleys are mounted in the intermediate section or sections. An endless conveyor belt is trained around the tail and head pulleys to define an upper forward run from the tail pulley to the head pulley and a lower return run from the head pulley to the tail pulley. At least one wiper element is provided on the conveyor belt which is carried by the conveyor belt in a close relationship with respect to the inner surface of the bottom wall of the intermediate conveyor section for pulling material, that has spilled onto the inner surface of the bottom wall, towards the tail section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: InterSystems, a division of Enduro Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas A. Schroeder
  • Publication number: 20020175050
    Abstract: The combination of a conveying surface that is movable to advance material supported thereon, a wall projecting upwardly from the conveying surface to confine material on the conveying surface, a sealing element to block passage of material between the conveyor surface and wall, and a clamping system for the sealing element. The clamping system may consist of a) a locking assembly having a bearing portion that is mounted for movement relative to the wall between i) a mounting position and ii) a holding position, with the sealing element residing between the wall and the bearing portion with the locking element in the holding position, b) a fixing element on the wall, and c) a wedge assembly having a body that cooperates with the fixing element and that is movable slidably and guidingly relative to the locking assembly between first and second positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2001
    Publication date: November 28, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel Wiggins
  • Publication number: 20020011400
    Abstract: An impact cradle for supporting a moving conveyor belt. The impact cradle includes a plurality of support structures. Each support structure includes an elongate support member and first and second wing cushion support members for supporting impact bars. Each wing cushion support member includes a first end including a plurality of apertures and a second end including a plurality of apertures. Each aperture in the first end of a wing cushion support member is spaced apart a uniform distance from a counterpart aperture in the second end of the wing cushion support member. A first fastener and a second fastener are inserted respectively through a selected pair of counterpart apertures to connect the first and second ends of the wing cushion support member to the support member. Each pair of counterpart apertures is adapted to dispose the wing cushion support member at a selected inclined angle with respect to the support member to conform to the inclined edges of the conveyor belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: January 31, 2002
    Inventors: James R. Burkhart, Corey A. Noord, Gary D. Swearingen
  • Patent number: 6220426
    Abstract: An item-sorting unit includes a mobile frame movable in a direction of motion, and a driven endless belt mounted on the frame for rotation in a cross direction extending transversely relative to the direction of frame motion. An outer surface of the belt includes one or more upstanding curbs extending parallel to the cross direction. The curb(s) is formed of a flexible high-friction material and functions to resist movement of carried items relative to the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: CML Handing Technology S.p.A.
    Inventor: Erminio Giana
  • Patent number: 6170644
    Abstract: An endless belt rotates between a tail pulley and a head pulley. The belt is floated in a tubular belt support by blowing air out of air blowing bores of the belt support, and runs from the tail pulley to the head pulley. A ultra-high molecular polyethylene layer is applied on the inner circumferential surface of the belt support, opposing to the belt, thereby assuring smooth running of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Nakaegawa, Shinichi Sumino, Akihiko Yokozi, Motohiro Shiraishi
  • Patent number: 6102195
    Abstract: An improved enclosed belt conveyor system for transferring material with a minimum of dust and energy consumption. An alignment device having an external adjustment mechanism to adjust dynamically balanced spools, which are mounted on a shaft is terminated in the alignment devices. The belts for the conveyed material are in an enclosed structure while the bearings and the bearing adjustment mechanisms are external of the enclosed structure, which encloses the spools and the belts thereby limiting the debris or dust to which bearings are subjected. The balanced flared spools have closed and sealed ends, thereby totally eliminating air turbulence, within the structure. Turbulence will accentuate dust movement within the enclosure. This invention permits the alignment of each individual roller while maintaining the cones of the spools and bearings in a dust free environment as possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2000
    Inventor: Charles W. Weikel
  • Patent number: 5727918
    Abstract: An apparatus for loading bulk material into a ship has a carriage movable alongside the ship, an elongated outrigger tube having an inner end on the carriage and an outer end and provided internally with a longitudinally extending partition subdividing the tube into an upper compartment and a lower compartment, and an elongated tensioning element extending longitudinally above the outrigger tube, connected to the outer end thereof, and supporting the outrigger tube. An endless outrigger conveyor belt has a U-section upper stretch riding in the upper compartment on the partition and a lower stretch riding on an inside wall of the outrigger tube in the lower compartment. The outrigger belt is driven to advance the upper stretch from the inner end to the outer end. A looped endless supply belt deposits bulk material onto the upper stretch of the outrigger belt at the inner end of the outrigger tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 17, 1998
    Assignee: PWH Anlagen & Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Jurgen Arend, Horst Steckel
  • Patent number: 5699894
    Abstract: There is disclosed a cable driven conveyor system having a plurality of hangers connected to a cable and conveyor belt disposed on the plurality of hangers. The conveyor system is capable of hauling material in more than one direction. The ends of the conveyor system may be easily transportable, allowing for flexibility in the setup of the conveyor system. Their is also shown an idler assembly for use in a cable driven system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1997
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Bestgen, Richard B. Kramer, Daniel P. Moulden, Chris Barbee, Bryon Hibbetts
  • Patent number: 5682974
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transporter having an endless belt which is at least partially in cross section substantially U-shaped, a guiding assembly formed by at least one runner and at least one rail for guiding the belt between at least one unloading station and at least one loading station, a driving assembly which drives a transmission assembly which in turn transmits drive energy to the belt and a suspending assembly formed by at least one holder associated with the runner for suspending the belt from the guiding assembly. The transmission assembly is associated with the transporter to depend under the guiding assembly and the transmission assembly has an axis of rotation substantially parallel to a vertical axis bisecting the U-shaped cross sections of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 4, 1997
    Assignee: Barrages Services International B.V.
    Inventor: Leendert Pieter Dirk Van Der Kooy
  • Patent number: 5645157
    Abstract: A flexible conveyor belt is provided which can run in a curved shape which elongates along a lower inner wall of a circular pipe, while being completely supported above the lower inner wall by pressurized air introduced into a space between the belt and the lower inner wall. In the case where the flexible conveyor belt is mainly made of rubber, a trough index T (JIS K6322) which is obtained as a ratio of a deflection amount F to a width x of the belt is equal to or greater than 0.35. More strictly, it is preferable to set the thickness y (mm) and the width x (mm) of the belt to satisfy the relationship of y.ltoreq.0.143+6.486.times.10.sup.-3 x+7.904.times.10.sup.-6 x.sup.2. In the case where the flexible conveyor belt is made mainly of a resin, the trough index is equal to or greater than 0.30. The conveyor belts have sufficient flexibility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 8, 1997
    Assignee: Mitsuboshi Belting Ltd.
    Inventors: Kimikazu Kitano, Takao Kanda, Takao Henmi, Futoshi Makino, Junji Sato
  • Patent number: 5398804
    Abstract: A curved belt conveyor, to be used mostly above ground and operating with any desired length, can be operated advantageously without belt band rollers so that no tumbling action can take effect upon the belt band. This makes for long service life, as well as quieter, more uniform and safer operation. Drive is accomplished either via a linear motor drive system acting laterally upon the belt band, said system consisting of magnets arranged on the running wheel carriers and the stators that are firmly integrated into the guide ducts, or where, in the guide ducts, for example, a traction chain runs that is connected correspondingly with the running wheel carriers. The side edges of the belt band are grasped via the running wheel carriers and are so connected with them that one can achieve a swing-motion connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: E+PK Ingenieurburo fur Entwicklung und Planung
    Inventors: Robert Ecker, Johannes Lintermann, Friedhelm Buderath
  • Patent number: 5286158
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting on the back of a dump truck or the like to distribute material discharged from said truck to a variably selected position is disclosed wherein a chute assembly is connectable to the tailgate of the dump truck and provides a range of movement of the apparatus in a vertical direction through pivotal movement about a horizontal axis and a range of movement of the apparatus in a horizontal direction through a swing ring. The apparatus incorporates an endless conveyor having a downwardly deflected portion to receive material from the chute assembly and convey the material to a discharge opening for projection to a selected location. A constraining member restricts the material to the central portion of the conveyor to minimize the spreading of the material being discharged from the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Inventor: Harold M. Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 5052545
    Abstract: An apparatus for conveying grain is disclosed, which includes a conveying belt disposed to extend through a cylinder for movement with the inner wall surface of the cylinder as a guide in order to prevent scattering of dust generated as grain is conveyed and also to permit conveying of a great quantity of grain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Hokoku Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mashanori Gongen
  • Patent number: 4819791
    Abstract: Conveyor belt for bulk material handling. The conveyor belt (1) consists of a central part (2) and two integrated side parts (3, 4) which side parts are from the beginning manufactured angled in relation to the integrated central part in order to give the conveyor belt an increased resistance to bending. The central part (2) is preformed to contain longitudinal and transversal reinforcement in its lower part in order to increase the thickness of the wear resisting material in the upper part. The side parts (3, 4) are provided with wearing resisting material and longitudinal and transversal reinforcement. The side parts are angled at an angle alpha in relation to the central part, which angle in a preferred embodiment is approximately 45.degree. or 90.degree.. The conveyor belt is carried by cables (5, 6), or a number of rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1989
    Assignee: Arne Wehtje
    Inventor: Sverker Melander
  • Patent number: RE42361
    Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt module with a unitary sideguard. The sideguard extends upward perpendicularly from the top conveying surface of a plastic module body. The sideguard extends longitudinally along the conveying surface with a leading edge laterally offset from a trailing edge. Wedge-shaped indentations formed at the leading and trailing edges allow the sideguards of leading and trailing belt modules in a conveyor belt to mesh and to overlap without interference as the belt backflexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Andrew A. Corley