Carrier Belt Drive Means Patents (Class 198/832)
  • Patent number: 11014756
    Abstract: A conveyor system includes a conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly includes a conveyor module, a power module, and a chassis supporting the conveyor module and the power module. The conveyor module includes a roller rotatable about an axis and a conveyor belt shiftable in response to rotation of the roller. The power module provides rotational power to the roller. The power module includes a power assembly and a drive configured to transmit rotational power to the roller from the power assembly. The power assembly includes a power source and a housing at least substantially surrounding the power source. The chassis integrally forms a portion of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Nidec Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Joshua M. Biro, William D. Moore, Richard J. Fadler
  • Patent number: 10336560
    Abstract: A transfer apparatus comprises a first rod-shaped member comprising a magnetic material; a first terminal member configured to allow insertion of a first end portion of the first rod-shaped member; a second terminal member configured to allow insertion of a second end portion of the first rod-shaped member; a second rod-shaped member comprising a magnetic material; a third terminal member configured to allow insertion of a first end portion of the second rod-shaped member; a fourth terminal member configured to allow insertion of a second end portion of the second rod-shaped member; a coupling member coupling the second terminal member and the third terminal member; and an opposite member facing a part of side surfaces of the first and second rod-shaped members, wherein the first rod-shaped member and the first terminal member are not fixed, the first rod-shaped member and the second terminal member are fixed to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: Azbil Corporation
    Inventors: Hisashi Beppu, Yoichi Okawa
  • Patent number: 9912917
    Abstract: A visualization apparatus for a surgical site includes a recording unit for recording an image of an object arranged in a focal plane of the recording unit. The recording unit has a lens having an optical axis that intersects the focal plane at a point P. An electronic image representation unit has an image surface for reproducing the recorded image and point P is reproduced at image point P?. A mirror unit has a mirror surface, which has a center point S and is arranged relative to the image surface such that the reproduced image is reflected by the mirror surface. The focal plane, image surface and mirror surface are arranged relative to one another such that an observation point B results for which the following applies: ?2 D<?1??2<+2 D; wherein: ?1=?1/d1 ?2=?1/d2 d1=distance PB d2=distance P?S+distance SB.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2018
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AG
    Inventors: Markus Seesselberg, Joachim Steffen, Steffen Siegler, Christian Voigt
  • Patent number: 9169075
    Abstract: A conveyor includes a frame having first and second spaced frame elements having outer sides and facing inner sides, first and second drive rollers between the first and second frame elements, a flexible belt mounted on the first and second drive rollers, first and second drive wheels connected to the first and second drive rollers, and a drive operably connected to the first and second drive wheels and configured to drive the belt in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: A. G. STACKER, INC.
    Inventors: Clarence C. Allen, Kevin G. Gorby, Eric H. Crowe, Samantha L. J. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 9010527
    Abstract: A drive switching mechanism includes first to third transmission element trains, a connection/disconnection element disposed at one of a position between the first and second transmission element trains and a position in the third transmission element train, and a rotation restraining element disposed at the other of the positions. When a drive transmission path is disconnected by the connection/disconnection element, the rotation restraining element is drivenly rotated on the basis of a driving force transmitted from the first transmission element train and selects a drive transmission path that is different from the drive transmission path disconnected by the connection/disconnection element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoru Ishii, Masaya Kato
  • Publication number: 20150083553
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tray sealer having a feed belt comprising a drive unit and a belt body having a conveyor belt. The belt body is adapted to be dismounted, together with the conveyor belt, from the drive unit without making use of a tool. An exchange unit is provided on or at the tray sealer, the exchange unit being configured for accommodating the belt body when the belt body is dismounted from the drive unit. A corresponding method for exchanging or cleaning at least one of a conveyor belt, a belt body and/or a drive unit of a tray sealer is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2014
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Inventors: Albert Gabler, Wolfgang Negele, David Kelly
  • Patent number: 8903289
    Abstract: A belt moving unit includes an endless belt member and plural support rolls supporting the belt member movably and rotating, wherein the support rolls include one or more follower rolls rotating to follow the movement of the belt member and at least one of the follower rolls is used as an inertial roll to which inertia is applied, wherein the inertial roll includes a rotation shaft, a rotational inertial member rotating with the rotation shaft and applying inertia, and a roll body disposed along a peripheral surface of the rotation shaft and including plural roll-divided members, and wherein the plural roll-divided members include a fixed divided member fixed to the rotation shaft and rotating along with the rotation shaft to follow the movement of the belt member and a rotating divided member rotating independently of the rotation of the rotation shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yimei Yu, Junji Hanatani, Takehiro Oishi
  • Patent number: 8887900
    Abstract: A rail conveyor system combining the low friction attributes of railway transportation with the continuous bulk handling advantages of belt conveyors, uses a multiplicity of spaced carriages running on steel wheels on rail tracks to support a continuous carry belt. The system is driven by various means including a rope extending between the carriages. Various other drive means including drive belt technology are also described along with loading and unloading stations and distributed drive stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Newcastle Innovation Limited
    Inventor: Craig Anthony Wheeler
  • Patent number: 8887899
    Abstract: There is provided a liquid jetting apparatus which includes a casing, a liquid jetting head, a carriage, a first to third pulleys, a motor connected to one of the first to third pulleys, an endless belt put around the first to third pulleys, a tension pulley which applies a tension to the endless belt, a regulating mechanism which regulates a movement of the tension pulley within a plane orthogonal to a shaft of the tension pulley such that the tension pulley becomes movable in a scanning direction, and a bias applying mechanism which applies bias to the tension pulley, in a direction of moving closer to the third pulley in the scanning direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masako Kawagoe, Kohei Terada
  • Publication number: 20140305774
    Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus is for use with a driven conveyor comprising a modular link belt including a plurality of outer links along a lateral side of the conveyor. A follower is adapted for engaging the outer side links of the conveyor belt, said follower including a normal position to a disabling position. The following is follower adapted for disabling the drive in the disabling position, such as by actuating a switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2012
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: James L. Layne, Lewis W. Ward, Stephen C. Fye, Brian Keith Thomas, Ervin Puskar
  • Patent number: 8839941
    Abstract: An incline conveyor that includes driven rollers at both the input (tail) end and the output (head) end of the conveyor that are powered by a single power source. Power is transmitted along the length of the conveyor with a driveline that distributes power to both the input and output drive rollers. The position of the drive rollers is adjustable to tension and track the conveyor belt. The position of the gearbox is also adjustable to maintain tension on the drive belt. The resulting conveyor drive mechanism allows cleated belt conveyors to be longer and transfer at higher capacities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: KSi Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Fehr, Paul Arthur Kaeb
  • Patent number: 8839949
    Abstract: Sprockets (22) and (42) are engaged with a conveyor belt (18) itself or a chain (28) coupled to the belt. An encoder is used to determine the differential of the rotation of the sprockets. From that information, the instantaneous pitch of the conveyor belt located between the first and second rotational axes can be determined, and from that information the speed of the belt can be determined. This information can be used to control work tools or other devices that act on work products being carried by the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventor: Arthur W. Vogeley, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140174891
    Abstract: The invention relates to a slicing apparatus for food products, in particular to a high-performance slicer, having at least one belt conveyor which is configured as a removable conveyor belt unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Textor Maschinenbau GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Mayer
  • Publication number: 20140166444
    Abstract: In a curved belt conveyor having a circulating transport belt, wherein the transport belt is connected on the outer side of the curved belt conveyor with a chain and the chain has guide means that are guided by guide elements on the curved belt conveyor, the guide means are attached to the chain in detachable manner. The guide means can be constructed in the form of a roller or a wearing part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Transnorm System GmbH
    Inventors: Kai Ventz, René Schällig
  • Publication number: 20140151197
    Abstract: A continuous conveyor such as, for example, a conveyor belt for transporting heavy bulk materials or unit loads comprises an endless tractive transport means that revolves between a driving roller and a return roller. The driving roller is driven by a permanently excited multi-pole synchronous motor that delivers a very high torque at a comparatively slow nominal speed. The synchronous motor can drive the driving roller directly or alternatively via a single-stage step-down gear with low reduction factor. The inventive drive is characterized by a mass moment of inertia that is up to 10-times lower than in conventional drive systems. In this way, the risk of damaging or even tearing the belt during disruptions is substantially reduced such that the operational reliability significantly increases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Sepp Lachenmaier
  • Patent number: 8701874
    Abstract: Conveyors are disclosed herein. An embodiment of a conveyor includes a bed having a first end and a second end, wherein a belt is slidable on the bed. The belt is in a first portion of its travel when it is located adjacent the bed and the belt is in a second portion of its travel when it is located opposite the bed. A curve is located on the first end of the bed, wherein the belt contacts at least a portion of the curve as the belt transitions between the first portion of travel and the second portion of travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Interroll Holding AG
    Inventors: Darrell Keith Knigge, Thomas Quintin Harding
  • Patent number: 8662289
    Abstract: The present invention provides a glass substrate transmission device and a method for detecting the rotational synchronization of driven shafts. The device comprising: multiple driven shafts, the multiple driven shafts are disposed parallel at intervals along a first direction and each of the driven shafts has a through hole at the first direction; multiple rollers fixed at intervals on the driven shafts for carrying a glass substrate, and rotate with the driven shaft to flow the glass substrate; a reflection; an infrared sensor unit emitting the infrared and receives a reflection light reflected back by an obstacles and emitted by the infrared sensor unit, and determine the rotational synchronization of the driven shafts according to the value of the intensity of the reflected light. The through holes and the reflection plate are located at the propagation direction of the infrared of the infrared sensor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technlogy co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zenghong Chen, Chunhao Wu, Kunhsien Lin, Xiande Li, Yongqiang Wang, Weibing Yang, Minghu Qi, Zhenhua Guo, Yunshao Jiang
  • Publication number: 20140021019
    Abstract: Disclosed is a drive assembly for providing a drive for a device, such as a vehicle or an advancing device such as a conveyor. The drive assembly includes a frame; a motor fixed relative to the frame for driving the drive assembly; at least two drive members providing a transmission interface between the drive assembly and a ground surface or a conveyor for driving; and at least one movement control assembly per drive member. The movement control assembly is coupled to the motor and at least one drive member, and provides movement control of the respective drive member relative to the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: Yeti Developments B.V.
    Inventor: Kees Jan Leijen
  • Publication number: 20130327616
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transport device (1) for carrying products with a displaceable carrying surface, comprising: conveyor belt (3), a frame (2) provided with a belt guide (5-10) for holding the conveyor belt (3) displaceably, and a drive (4) for displacing the conveyor belt (3), wherein the belt guide (5-10) of the frame (2) is adjustable. The invention also relates to a method for allowing a conveyor belt (3) to connect to other devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: MAREL TOWNSEND FURTHER PROCESSING B.V.
    Inventors: Sigebertus Johannes Jacobus Jozef Meggelaars, Leon Marie Francois Spierts, Wilhelmus Josephus Gerardus Maria Jilesen, Bart Henricus Jozef Verberk, Dirk Meskendahl
  • Publication number: 20130313077
    Abstract: A combine feeding system includes a lower conveyor roller configured to rotate around a lower conveyor roller axis, an upper conveyor roller configured to rotate around an upper conveyor roller axis and a drive shaft configured to rotate around a drive shaft axis. The lower conveyor roller axis, upper conveyor roller axis and drive shaft axis are substantially perpendicular to first and second housing walls. The feeding system also includes at least one chain configured to move over the drive shaft, the lower conveyor roller and the upper conveyor roller. The feeding system further includes at least one lower support arm coupled to the drive shaft and the lower conveyor roller and configured to pivot about the drive shaft axis. At least one force mechanism is configured to apply a force to the at least one chain in at least one of a first direction and a second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Robert Stewart BOYD, Andrew V. LAUWERS, Herb M. FARLEY
  • Patent number: 8544637
    Abstract: A continuous conveyor belt (1) has a transporting side and a driving side (31). Arranged on the driving side (31) are driving ribs (2), spaced evenly apart in the running direction (9) of the conveyor belt and running transversely to the running direction (9) of the conveyor belt. The driving ribs (2) have lateral guiding elements (21) for longitudinally guiding the conveyor belt (1) on teeth of a driving element. These lateral guiding elements (21) are formed in the manner of crests of a wave. This ensures good cleanability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventors: Viola Fleig, Edgar Von Gellhorn, Dieter Guldenfels
  • Publication number: 20130220778
    Abstract: An incline conveyor that includes driven rollers at both the input (tail) end and the output (head) end of the conveyor that are powered by a single power source. Power is transmitted along the length of the conveyor with a driveline that distributes power to both the input and output drive rollers. The position of the drive rollers is adjustable to tension and track the conveyor belt. The position of the gearbox is also adjustable to maintain tension on the drive belt. The resulting conveyor drive mechanism allows cleated belt conveyors to be longer and transfer at higher capacities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: KSI CONVEYORS, INC.
    Inventors: Tom Fehr, Paul Arthur Kaeb
  • Patent number: 8460139
    Abstract: A belt installation guide is disclosed which accommodates the loading in a belt module of a new belt around drive rollers. The guide is placed opposite the end portions of the rollers, the belt is slipped over the guides and held by the guides until the belt is pushed over the rollers. The guides can be attached to the belt module or can be detachable therefrom. Once in place over the rollers, a tension is exerted on the belt to make it taut over all of the rollers. The guide is removed from near the rollers after the belt is in place over the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce J. Parks
  • Patent number: 8312988
    Abstract: A luggage conveyor system includes a frame, a plurality of pallets movably supported by the frame each having a load carrying surface configured to convey luggage thereon, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a chain formed by a plurality of chain links connected to each other. At least one chain link of the plurality of chain links is coupled to one of the plurality of pallets. The drive assembly further includes a motor-driven drive wheel, and a plurality of driven wheels coupled to and driven by the drive wheel. The plurality of driven wheels are arranged such that at least two of the driven wheels simultaneously contact the same one of the plurality of chain links to frictionally drive the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Diversified Conveyors, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Wilson, Thomas M. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20120285804
    Abstract: A conveying system for agricultural machines, comprised a housing, and a modular conveying mechanism configured to be introduced into the housing and to be detachably connected thereto, wherein the conveying mechanism is provided with drive mechanisms and guide mechanisms. The conveying mechanism includes an endless conveyor that rotates about the drive mechanism and the guide mechanism. The conveying mechanism is provided with a self-supporting frame structure in which the drive mechanisms and the guide mechanisms are rotatably mounted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventors: Johan Oord, Jan Harm Mulder, Sebastian Jäger
  • Publication number: 20120279831
    Abstract: The drive transmission method used in the case of a longwall shearer loader is characterised by the fact that in the shearer body (1), from the side wall side, in the part located outside of the chain conveyor (2), there is an motor (3) and a transmission unit (4) propelling a drive shaft (6) located in the part of the shearer body (1) located above the armoured face conveyor (2). The shaft transmits the power to the drive wheel (10) installed in the shearer body (1) from the caving side, outside of the chute of the chain conveyor (2), and moving along the ladder (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicants: FAMUR INSTITUTE SP. Z O.O., FAMUR SPOLKA AKCYJNA
    Inventors: Ryszard Bednarz, Pawel Gwiazdzinski, Lukasz Gonsior, Mateusz Golabek
  • Publication number: 20120181144
    Abstract: A passenger conveyor (10), comprises: an endless tread band, the endless tread band comprising a plurality of treads (24), at least one endless drive chain (26), the drive chain (26) being driven around a first and a second turnaround section (14) by means of a drive, the drive chain (26) comprising a plurality of drive chain links (18), each of the drive chain links (18) having associated thereto a respective drive chain roller (30), consecutive of the drive chain links (18) being connected via the drive chain rollers (30), a plurality of the treads (24) being connected to the drive chain (26), and at least one panel member (12) located on a lateral side of the treads (24) such as to be movable with respect to the treads (24), the at least one panel member (12) being supported such as to remain stationary with respect to one of the drive chain links (18), wherein each of the treads (24) is associated with a plurality of consecutive panel members (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander Turek, Engelke Bernward, Alois Senger, Gero Gschwendtner, Detlev Lindemeier
  • Publication number: 20120168285
    Abstract: Conveyor belts formed of a composite fabric structure. The fabric structure has a base reinforcing layer made of a network that includes high tenacity fibers. The composite fabric structure also includes a surface layer formed of rubber. The base layer and the surface layer are bonded together, preferably through the use of a bonding layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicants: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC., JHRG, LLC
    Inventors: John E. Holland, Connie W. Holland, Daniel M. Nathan, Huy X. Nguyen, Elizabeth S. Parrish
  • Patent number: 8196737
    Abstract: A method of replacing a continuous belt on a belt conveyor having a frame assembly includes providing a removable belt module with a removable belt module frame, the removable belt module frame having at one end a rotatably mounted drive pulley and having at an opposite end a rotatably mounted other pulley. The continuous belt is reeved around the drive pulley and the other pulley. The removable belt module is removed from at least one attachment surface of the frame assembly while the continuous belt remains under tension. A replacement removable belt module is then placed at the attachment surface. Optionally, the continuous belt has a low modulus characteristic, and the removable belt module may include at least one pivot arm for mounting at least one of the drive pulley and the other pulley to the removable belt module frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Assignee: Dematic Corp.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Brayman, John M. Karas, David H. Cotter
  • Publication number: 20120048687
    Abstract: A conveyor drive shaft for use in agricultural combines including an integral torque limiting device is disclosed herein. More particularly, a co-axial integrated torque limiter, such as an radial pin clutch, is provided in such a conveyor drive shaft to minimize additional space claim required to protect the conveyor drive shaft, and attached components from damage in the event of an unexpected jam or other stoppage. A conveyor system employing such an integrated conveyor drive shaft and a combine employing such a conveyor system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: CNH AMERICA LLC
    Inventors: Robert Stewart Boyd, Andrew V. Lauwers
  • Patent number: 8113339
    Abstract: A conveyor (10) includes at least one endless conveying device (20) having a conveying section (22) having a conveying surface (21), on which conveyed goods (11) can be conveyed. The conveying device (20) are held on a frame (12) using at least two deflection rollers (40), thereby enabling it to circulate endlessly. A driving wheel (51) with a rotary axle (52) is coupled to the conveying device (20) such that the former can be set into a rotational motion by the latter. The rotary axle (52) of the driving wheel (51) is coupled to the damping device (50) such that vibrations in the rotation of the conveying device (20) can be damped. The rotary axle (52) of the driving wheel (51) is supported on the frame (12) such that it can move with translatory motion. The damping device (50) can dampen a translatory motion of the rotary axle (52).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Oliver Lenord, Yongbo Chen
  • Publication number: 20110297060
    Abstract: A device, which conveys and handles material from a combustion boiler, includes at least one conveyor belt and a housing surrounding the conveyor belt. The conveyor belt includes at least one horizontal collection area and a handling area. The housing includes at least one outlet for the material. Furthermore, the handling area has a first length of at least 10 m and an inclination of at least 38°. Some arrangements relate to a corresponding combustion plant and to a method for handling hot ash.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: CLYDE BERGEMANN DRYCON GMBH
    Inventors: Rafael Moreno Rueda, Carsten Wilhelm Michelbrink
  • Patent number: 7967131
    Abstract: An endless conveyor belt has teeth with drive faces raked away from the direction of travel. The belt can be driven by a drive pulley having sheaves with drive faces raked toward the direction of travel. The drive faces on the sheaves engage the drive faces on the teeth to move the belt and the raked angle tends to pull the belt inwardly. A stationary foot assists removing a driven tooth from its corresponding sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Thermodrive LLC
    Inventor: Michael DeGroot
  • Publication number: 20110114450
    Abstract: This invention relates to a transport foil/film as well as a transport system for holding and transport of at least one thin flexible substrate and a corresponding method and a use of a flexible transport foil/film for holding and for transport of at least one thin, flexible substrate, the substrates being able to be fixed or being fixed at least temporarily on the transport foil/film and the transport foil/film being drivable by driving means for transport of the substrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Lindner, Thomas Glinsner, Gerald Kreindl
  • Publication number: 20110114455
    Abstract: An endless carrier belt for a conveyor system, which carrier belt is produced flat from a flexible material, includes a flat body of width L, of central longitudinal plane X and of thickness e, whose top face is designed to support a product to be carried. The flat body contains in its thickness a plurality of longitudinal reinforcing members located in only two regions of the width of the flat body, situated at about a quarter of the way across the width, on each side of the central plane. When formed into a tube, the reinforcing members can be positioned on the horizontal diameter of the cross section of the tube, thus limiting the internal stresses on the structure, especially when the structure is following non-straight paths (corners or curves) in a plane perpendicular to the axes of the endmost rollers of the conveyor on which it is used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: LIFTVRAC
    Inventor: Marcel Boursier
  • Publication number: 20110094860
    Abstract: A conveyor (10) includes at least one endless conveying device (20) having a conveying section (22) having a conveying surface (21), on which conveyed goods (11) can be conveyed. The conveying device (20) are held on a frame (12) using at least two deflection rollers (40), thereby enabling it to circulate endlessly. A driving wheel (51) with a rotary axle (52) is coupled to the conveying device (20) such that the former can be set into a rotational motion by the latter. The rotary axle (52) of the driving wheel (51) is coupled to the damping device (50) such that vibrations in the rotation of the conveying device (20) can be damped. The rotary axle (52) of the driving wheel (51) is supported on the frame (12) such that it can move with translatory motion. The damping device (50) can dampen a translatory motion of the rotary axle (52).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Oliver Lenord, Yongbo Chen
  • Publication number: 20110056226
    Abstract: Disclosed is a motor control apparatus for controlling a synchronous motor, which includes a receiver section for receiving the value detected by a temperature sensor installed inside the synchronous motor. The synchronous motor is started up with the current fed into it, whose magnitude is changed in accordance with the temperature received by the receiver section at the time of starting up the synchronous motor. In this way, the stable startup of the synchronous motor can be guaranteed and the useful life of the semiconductor elements can also be prolonged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2009
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicant: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomofumi Okubo, Norinaga Suzuki, Hajime Uematsu, Hideharu Tanaka, Masakazu Hase, Yoshiyuki Taguchi
  • Patent number: 7878322
    Abstract: A structure for supporting a pulley holder is provided with a pulley holder for rotatably supporting a pulley around which a belt is movably wound, a frame member that slidably supports the pulley holder along the direction of stretching the belt, and an urging member that elastically urges the pulley holder in a belt tensioning direction in which the belt is tensioned. The pulley holder has fitting portion that is stepwise formed along the belt tensioning direction, and the frame member has a fitting opening whose edge is stepwise formed corresponding to the fitting portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Noriyuki Kawamata
  • Patent number: 7841463
    Abstract: A conveyor includes an endless belt having teeth with drive faces raked away from the direction of travel. The conveyor also includes a drive pulley having sheaves with drive faces raked toward the direction of travel. The drive faces on the sheaves engage the drive faces on the teeth to move the belt and the raked angle tends to pull the belt inwardly. A stationary foot assists removing a driven tooth from its corresponding sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Thermodrive LLC
    Inventor: Michael DeGroot
  • Publication number: 20100282575
    Abstract: A device for transmitting motion for conveyor belts, comprising a driving shaft and a driven gear or toothed belt, engaged with a chain for moving a conveyor belt, a torque limiter being interposed between the driving shaft and the gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventors: Michele Rettore, Mirco Malaman
  • Publication number: 20100270132
    Abstract: A drive has a drive unit, wherein the drive unit includes a central body, a drive means, and a driven means circulating around the central body. Conveyor means or objects to be conveyed are able to be conveyed in a driven section of the drive unit along a conveyor path by way of the driven means. The driven means is mounted with respect to the central body by means of a roller body which circulates around the central body in an orbital track. To this end, the driven means rolls on the central body via rollers of the roller body and thereby the roller body transmits radial pressure forces to the central body. The driven means is driven directly by the drive means. The roller body itself is not driven directly by the drive means, but rather it is moved along solely by the rolling of the driven means on the roller body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: WRH WALTER REIST HOLDING AG
    Inventor: Erwin Muller
  • Patent number: 7806254
    Abstract: A belt conveyor includes at least one belt module defined by at least one drive pulley and at least one other pulley that is generally an idler pulley positioned between opposite sidewalls of the conveyor, and having a continuous belt routed around the drive pulley and the other pulley. The drive pulley is operable to drive the continuous belt around the pulleys to move articles along the zone assembly. The belt conveyor may incorporate features that allow for improved maintenance methods and reduced down time during service intervals. These features may include a removable belt module, at least one pulley mounted on at least one pivot arm, or a combination thereof. The belt may have a low modulus characteristic and may be initially stretched when the belt is reeved or routed around the pulleys and the pivot arms are moved into their operating position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Dematic Corp.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Brayman, John M. Karas, David H. Cotter
  • Publication number: 20100230248
    Abstract: A belt device includes a belt; a driving unit that is provided inside the belt and drives the belt; a supporting unit that is provided inside the belt and supports the belt; and a position determination member that is fixed to one end in an axial direction of the driving unit or the supporting unit and comes in contact with an edge portion of the belt in the case where the belt is mounted so as to determine a position of the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventors: Kouichi KIMURA, Takanori SASAKI, Toshinori SASAKI, Masakazu TAKAHASHI, Shogo KAMIYA, Yasunori FUJIMOTO, Masataka KONISHI, Hitoshi HAMASAKI, Keita YANO, Akira FUKUCHI, Satoshi MATSUZAKA, Masakatsu EDA
  • Patent number: 7731019
    Abstract: A downwardly conveying conveyor installation, such as belt-conveyor installation, for transporting the conveyable articles along a conveying path from a geodetically higher location to a geodetically lower location. There is provided a motor drive, and a hydrodynamic coupling comprising a drive-side pump wheel and an output-side turbine wheel, which together form a toroidal operating space which is filled with operating medium. The pump wheel and the turbine wheel each have a blade arrangement with a multiplicity of blades which are arranged opposite one another such that the blades of the pump wheel are flush with the blades of the turbine wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Voith Turbo GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Bernhard Schust
  • Patent number: 7726467
    Abstract: A conveyor coupler system for efficiently increasing the longevity and productivity of the conveyor. The conveyor coupler system generally includes a coupler including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion extends from the second portion. The first portion includes a first connecting portion, wherein the first connecting portion extends within the first portion and includes at least one slot. The second portion includes a second connecting portion extending within the second portion and including a plurality of ridge members. The first connecting portion connects to a first planetary gear structure of a conveyor unit and the second connecting portion connects to a second planetary gear structure of the conveyor unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: Albert G. Schoonover, Gordon L. Schoonover
  • Patent number: 7681717
    Abstract: An endless conveyor belt (10) comprises a flat belt portion (12) with strips (20) of teeth (28) attached to one side of the flat belt, near the side edges (26) of the flat belt. In another embodiment, the side edges of the strips are attached to the side edges of the flat belt. In either embodiment, the strips are first attached to the flat belt, and then machined to form a plurality of teeth on each strip. The strips can be of a different material than the flat belt. The conveyor belt can be employed with conveyors having small radius pulleys (54) and nose bars (58).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Thermodrive LLC
    Inventor: Michael DeGroot
  • Patent number: 7621392
    Abstract: A carousel according to the invention uses a number of smaller, less expensive drive units at different locations along the carousel path in place of a single larger drive unit of comparable capacity. Closed loop control according to the invention allows individual drives to be de-energized when the power requirements do not demand their usage. When not energized, the drives may be disengaged from the chain, such as by way of a linear actuator as described hereafter. Benefits of such a system include reduced mechanical costs, longer drive life, better redundancy/higher availability, correct drive power, lower energy use, closed loop system monitoring and reduced collateral damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Langsdorf, Gojko Valencic
  • Patent number: 7614365
    Abstract: A system and method for operating a manure conveyor device. The method includes driving a first return roller about which a manure conveyor belt circulates at a first rotational speed, and driving a second return roller about which the manure conveyor belt circulates at a second rotational speed. During a first interval the first rotational speed exceeds the second rotational speed, and during a second interval the second rotational speed exceeds the first rotational speed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Qalovis Farmer Automatic Energy GmbH
    Inventor: Josef Kühlmann
  • Patent number: 7575113
    Abstract: A modular belt constructed of belt modules having a large open area, making the belt suitable for use as a traveling water screen. The modules include an intermediate portion composed of intersecting sets of link elements and transverse elements that form a gridlike pattern. Openings bounded by the walls of consecutive link elements and transverse elements form channels through the belt for the flow of water. The modules are connected together by hinge rods to form a belt that can be used as a water screen. Detachable flights or scoops for lifting debris or fish out of a stream are attachable to base modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Kyle J. Sedlacek, Mitchell G. Pansano, Jr., Gilbert J. MacLachlan
  • Patent number: RE43887
    Abstract: A carousel according to the invention uses a number of smaller, less expensive drive units at different locations along the carousel path in place of a single larger drive unit of comparable capacity. Closed loop control according to the invention allows individual drives to be de-energized when the power requirements do not demand their usage. When not energized, the drives may be disengaged from the chain, such as by way of a linear actuator as described hereafter. Benefits of such a system include reduced mechanical costs, longer drive life, better redundancy/higher availability, correct drive power, lower energy use, closed loop system monitoring and reduced collateral damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Industry, Inc.
    Inventors: John L. Langsdorf, Gojko Valencic