Laterally Adjustable Or Yieldable Guides Contact Load Patents (Class 198/836.3)
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Patent number: 11840403Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2022Date of Patent: December 12, 2023Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
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Patent number: 11712833Abstract: Apparatus for transporting plastic preforms, has a sorting device configured for sorting plastic preforms and a transport device arranged after the sorting device in a transport direction. The transport device includes a first support rail and a second support rail for carrying the plastic preforms between the first and second support rails along the direction of transport. The sorting device has two rollers spaced apart from one another, between which the plastic performs are guided. The apparatus has an adjustment mechanism for adjusting at least one lateral spacing of the support rails, wherein this adjustment mechanism has several adjustment units which are arranged one behind the other along the transport direction, wherein these adjustment units each enable an adjustment of the lateral spacing and wherein these adjustment units are mechanically coupled such that the adjustment units can be adjusted together.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2019Date of Patent: August 1, 2023Inventors: Carsten Schroeter, Juergen Beautl, Dieter Wuensche
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Patent number: 11702294Abstract: Conveyor beam attachment (2) adapted to be attached to a conveyor beam (41), comprising a first catch (5) adapted to engage one flange (43) of a T-slot (42) in the conveyor beam (41), and comprising a second and third catch (6, 7) adapted to engage the other flange (44) of the T-slot in conveyor beam (41), and where the first catch (5) or the second and third catches (6, 7) are spring-loaded. The advantage of the invention is that a guide rail can easily be mounted to and removed from a conveyor beam (41).Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2021Date of Patent: July 18, 2023Assignee: FLEXLINK ABInventor: Tomas Lundgren
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Patent number: 11639271Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a guiderail for guiding one or more articles conveyed along a conveyor having a conveying path in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a mount for mounting to the conveyor. The mount includes a support rail for supporting the guide rail, which support rail may have a length in the conveying direction less than a length of the conveyor. The support rail may include one or more stops for engaging one of a pair of movable supports. The supports may be slidably mounted to the support rail for adjusting a position of the guiderail relative to the conveyor in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2021Date of Patent: May 2, 2023Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Aaron Cotton, Nathan Lasley
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Patent number: 11530096Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2021Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
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Patent number: 11358799Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (14) for adapting a guide width (B) of a conveying device (12) for conveying containers for a container treatment installation. The apparatus (14) includes a longitudinally movable and pliable adjusting element (24), a guide element (20) for guiding the containers along a conveying direction (F) and a transmission device (26). For the adaptation of the guide width (B), the transmission device (26) is configured to convert a longitudinal movement, preferably a pushing and/or pulling movement, of the adjusting element (24) into a movement of the guide element (20) transversely with respect to the conveying direction (F). The pliability of the adjusting element (24) can make use possible even in curved regions of the conveying device (12). The adjusting element (24) can also be designed in a simple and cost-effective manner, for example in the form of a cable.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2020Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: KRONES AGInventor: Christian Buchner
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Patent number: 11097901Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2018Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
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Patent number: 11034521Abstract: An apparatus for transporting objects, preferably containers, which has a transporting device. The transporting device is designed to transport objects. The apparatus also has a railing which is designed to guide the objects transported on the transporting device. The railing has a guide element which is designed to guide the objects. In addition, the railing has a plurality of reinforcing segments which are arranged adjacent to the guide element and are designed to reinforce the guide element.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2018Date of Patent: June 15, 2021Assignee: Heuft Systemtechnik GmbHInventors: Harald Ax, Bernhard Heuft
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Patent number: 10994940Abstract: A container guide includes a guide rail and a single piece having a main body and retainers. At least one of the retainers is arranged in either a through passage or a recess in a surface-area portion of the main body. Each retainer includes a bent rail bar and a rail support. A portion of the rail support comprises a support arm that is perpendicular to a plane defined by the surface-area portion of the main body. The guide rail is arranged directly on the support arms for guiding the container.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2018Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: KHS GmbHInventor: Andreas Fahldieck
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Patent number: 10988317Abstract: A format part for deflecting containers, comprising a toggle lever which comprises a toggle joint and two ankle joints, wherein the format part comprises a railing fastened to the toggle joint of the toggle lever, wherein the ankle joints are displaceable in one plane, which is parallel to the running direction of the railing, and wherein the railing is displaceable parallel to said plane by the displacement of the ankle joints, wherein the format part is adaptable for different container formats by the displacement of the railing, accumulating conveyor comprising such a format part, and method for adjusting such a format part.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2019Date of Patent: April 27, 2021Assignee: KRONES AGInventors: Helmut Schuesslburner, Konrad Senn
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Patent number: 10875718Abstract: The invention includes a method for adjusting a preform conveyor. The method includes a preadjustment phase during which preforms of a first format are conveyed. Each preform is supported under its collar by guides delimiting a lateral space and the body of each preform is guided by rails delimiting a holding gap. The rim of each preform is guided by a top guide defining a maximum height, and the lateral support space, the lower holding gap, and the maximum height are independently adjusted with respect to the first format. The values of the first format are recorded. In order to convey preforms of a second format, the preadjustment phase is carried out, and in order to convey pre-forms of the first format, the lateral space, the holding gap and/or the maximum height are adjusted automatically according to the recorded values of the first format. The invention also relates to a suitable adjustment device.Type: GrantFiled: August 10, 2018Date of Patent: December 29, 2020Assignee: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONSInventor: Gautier Salomon
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Patent number: 10836583Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction. The apparatus includes a first guiderail for at least partially forming a conveying path for articles on the conveyor. A guiderail adjuster includes a flexible or collapsible support, which make take the form of a linkage, and which provides support for the first guiderail along the conveyor. The flexible or collapsible support is adapted for being extended and retracted along a support rail extending in the conveying direction to selectively position the first guiderail relative to the conveyor, and thereby alter (increase or decrease) the width of the conveying path. Related methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2019Date of Patent: November 17, 2020Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventors: James L. Layne, Stephen C. Fye, Scott Dayton Barbour, Aaron Cotton, Savannah Bell
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Patent number: 10441990Abstract: A crossbar support assembly that supports a crossbar includes a support post, a bracket, a riser, and a lock assembly. The bracket is secured to a distal end of the support post. The lock assembly is configured to releasably secure the riser to the bracket. The lock assembly includes a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration the riser is inhibited from moving with respect to the bracket. In the unlocked configuration the riser is permitted to move with respect to the bracket. The crossbar support assembly may include an adjustment assembly that adjusts a position of the riser with respect to the bracket when the lock assembly is in the unlocked configuration.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2017Date of Patent: October 15, 2019Assignee: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.Inventor: Thoney R. Charles
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Patent number: 10369080Abstract: Systems and methods for manually filling a prescription order. A manual fill device may be incorporated into a manual fill center of a pharmacy operated by one or more pharmacists and/or pharmacist technicians to manually fill certain prescription containers. The manual fill device may include a control unit which may operate at the direction of the order processing device. The manual fill device may also include a distribution section automating distribution of containers for manual fulfillment, and a manual section in which a pharmacist may utilize available pharmaceuticals to manually fill orders.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2017Date of Patent: August 6, 2019Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc.Inventor: Jonathan W. Joplin
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Patent number: 10155626Abstract: A guiding device for contacting and guiding objects and in particular containers with a contacting device which is suitable and intended for contacting an outside surface of the object to be guided by means of a contact surface, wherein this contacting device comprises a support extending along a predetermined extension direction. According to the invention, a plurality of contact elements is arranged on the support, wherein these contact elements are each rotatable relative to the extension direction of the support such that a spacing between at least a portion of the contact surface and the extension direction can be varied by means of this rotational motion.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2016Date of Patent: December 18, 2018Assignee: KRONES AGInventor: Markus Schoenfelder
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Patent number: 10087012Abstract: An apparatus for guiding products along a conveyor in a conveying direction is provided. The apparatus includes a first guide rail for at least partially forming a conveying path for products on the conveyor. At least one flexible support provides support for the first guide rail along the conveyor. The at least one flexible support is adapted for being extended and retracted to selectively position the first guide rail relative to the conveyor. The support may be pivotally mounted to the guide rail. The guide rail may also include fixed and slidable portions, including possibly curved portions, which allow for a sliding joint to be formed.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: SPAN TECH LLCInventor: James L. Layne
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Patent number: 10059526Abstract: A guide unit for a container-handling system includes a basic body portion having a format part, a railing support, and a railing crosspiece that are all integrated into a unitary piece. A container guide railing is arranged on the railing support. The railing crosspiece connects the basic body portion to the railing support.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2014Date of Patent: August 28, 2018Assignee: KHS GmbHInventor: Martin Peil
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Patent number: 10005617Abstract: A container conveyor arrangement is used to convey containers, which arrangement includes a replaceable guide structure to guide containers. The guide structure comprises an upper guide element and a lower guide element, which are connected by an elongated connecting device to a carrier element. The connecting device can be rotated between a secure position, in which the lower guide element is secured to the carrier element, and an unsecured position, in which the lower guide element is not secured to the carrier element.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2016Date of Patent: June 26, 2018Assignee: KHS GmbHInventors: Andreas Fahldieck, Nils Mallitzki
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Patent number: 9988244Abstract: A track module of an escalator or a moving walkway comprises at least two support structures and at least one guide rail. Each support structure includes at least two supports and at least one cross strut, wherein the cross strut is arranged between the at least two supports and connects these together. Each support has a foot fastening region which, in the installed state, is fastened to a carrying structure. Moreover, a balustrade fastening region, to which in the installed state at least a part of a balustrade is fastened, is formed at each support, so that static and dynamic loads acting on the balustrade are transmissible directly to the carrying structure by way of the supports.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2013Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: INVENTIO AGInventors: Christoph Makovec, Michael Matheisl, Robert Schulz, Thomas Illedits, Thomas Novacek, Uwe Hauer, Jürg Burri
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Patent number: 9926095Abstract: An upgraded and reconfigured components in a labelling machine used for labelling containers and cans automatically and in continuous sequence. In this type of machine the containers or other articles roll through the machine over a substantially horizontal track where the containers receive a label with an adhesive applied to the cylindrical side of the container. Next the label is wrapped about the container and secured to the side of the container by a suitable adhesive. These machine upgrades and reconfigurations relate to machines for applying labels to articles of cylindrical form and are designed primarily for placing labels on cans as they are conveyed through the machine over runways.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2016Date of Patent: March 27, 2018Inventor: Richard W. Sigler, Jr.
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Patent number: 9828186Abstract: A guide rail system for guiding containers moved by a conveyor defining a path with a straight or curved segment. The guide rail system is adjustable such that by engaging a single mechanism, the distance between a pair of rails (one rail on each side of the conveyor) is changed across multiple conveyor segments (straight and/or curved). The invention provides an adjustable guide rail system for use in connection with a conveying surface capable of moving with respect to the guide rail system.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2015Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: Nercon Eng. & Mfg., Inc.Inventors: Michael Weickert, Daniel Bickel, Jeffrey Falash, Andrew Rottier
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Patent number: 9731910Abstract: A formatting part for guiding containers in a container treatment installation includes first and second formatting part elements spaced apart along a first direction with an adjustable gap between them. Adjusting the gap between them causes a container guide rail to move an and out along a second direction perpendicular to the first to permit adjustment for different kinds of bottles.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2014Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: KHS GmbHInventor: Bernd Bruch
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Patent number: 9545114Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveying apparatus for items in the fish and meat processing industry, comprising a conveyor belt for conveying the items in a conveying direction, at least one mounting base extending at least along a partial section of the conveyor belt and at least one functional unit configured for interaction with the items, wherein each of the functional units is arranged on a holding means and is characterized in that the holding means are designed and adapted in such a manner that each of the functional units is separably connected to the mounting base by means of the holding means and is arranged so as to be adjustable at least in the conveying direction.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2013Date of Patent: January 17, 2017Assignee: Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GmbH + Co. KGInventor: Henning B. Pedersen
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Patent number: 9481524Abstract: A guide rail system for guiding containers moved by one or more conveyors, each container having an interior portion defined therein for receiving a product and an opening in fluid communication with the interior portion. The guide rail system includes a cover assembly including one or more cover elements, and one or more structural elements to which the cover element is secured. The structural element locates the cover element in a preselected location relative to the openings of the containers, for at least partially impeding ingress of foreign matter to the interior portions of the containers.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2015Date of Patent: November 1, 2016Assignee: Septimatech Group Inc.Inventors: Glen Albert Bell, Alex Esten Eagle
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Patent number: 9174806Abstract: A transfer conveyor for transferring articles from a first conveyor to a second conveyor comprises an input for receiving articles from the first conveyor and an output for transporting articles to the second conveyor, a first contact member and a second contact member having first and second contact surfaces, respectively, extending upwardly and facing each other for clamping articles between said contact surfaces when travelling from the input to the output and a curved transport path between the input and the output, and a counter member for holding up an article and/or at least one of the first and second contact members in vertical direction when an article is clamped by the contact members. At least one of the first contact member, the second contact member and the counter member is drivable for transporting articles from the input to the output.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2011Date of Patent: November 3, 2015Assignee: Specialty Conveyor B.V.Inventor: Johannes Wilhelmus Broers
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Patent number: 9133865Abstract: Particular embodiments of the inventive technology may be described as a position control apparatus capable of moving at least one side guide component of an item conveyance system to any of a plurality of component positions, as desired, within a component position range. The apparatus may comprise a fluidic drive system configured to drive, with a single fluidic displacement, a plurality of positioners in a first relative direction; and a bias system that includes a plurality of biasers that bias the positioners in a direction that is opposite the first relative direction. The bias system may include at least one biaser for every positioner, and the apparatus may enable adjustment of the positioners to a plurality of positions within a positioner range. The positioners may effect positioning, as desired, of the at least one component to a desired component position within the component position range.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2012Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Flexibility Engineering, LLCInventor: Joseph W. Pawelski
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Patent number: 9073698Abstract: A transport section of a horizontal conveyor device for conveying articles moved along in a standing or hanging position on a transport support surface extending in a horizontal conveying direction between two guide elements arranged approximately in parallel to each other and spaced from each other at a distance corresponding to at least the article or container width. At least one of the two guide elements arranged facing each other is adjustable in its distance to the other of the guide elements and transverse to the conveying direction via several adjustment elements attached to a machine frame or base frame. The adjustment elements are coupled with each other via a common rotary drive and are approximately synchronized and each adjustment element transmits a rotatory drive of the common rotary drive via one or more transmissions to a linear adjustment movement of the guide element linked to it.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2014Date of Patent: July 7, 2015Assignee: Krones AktiengesellschaftInventors: Johann Huettner, Martin Seger, Peter Muehlstein
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Publication number: 20150144461Abstract: A glass sheet guidance apparatus includes a guidance member extending adjacent a conveyance path. In one example, an adjustment device selectively adjusts a length of the guidance member extending between a first holding structure and a second holding structure. In another example, the glass sheet guidance apparatus is configured to traverse a length of the guidance member and the glass sheet in a common direction of a conveyance path. Further examples include methods of guiding a glass sheet with the glass sheet guidance apparatus. In still further examples a method of manufacturing a glass sheet includes guiding the glass sheet.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2015Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: Nicholas Dominic Cavallaro, III, Keith Mitchell Hill, Naiyue Zhou
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Patent number: 8955668Abstract: A glass sheet guidance apparatus includes a guidance member extending adjacent a conveyance path. In one example, an adjustment device selectively adjusts a length of the guidance member extending between a first holding structure and a second holding structure. In another example, the glass sheet guidance apparatus is configured to traverse a length of the guidance member and the glass sheet in a common direction of a conveyance path. Further examples include methods of guiding a glass sheet with the glass sheet guidance apparatus. In still further examples a method of manufacturing a glass sheet includes guiding the glass sheet.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Corning IncorporatedInventors: Nicholas Dominic Cavallaro, III, Keith Mitchell Hill, Naiyue Zhou
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Patent number: 8931631Abstract: A regulating unit inserted in an installation for preparing batches of containers of the bottle kind. The unit is interposed between an upstream conveyor and a downstream conveyor and at each of its ends, between two adjacent walls (16), includes a mechanism for centering each conveyor module (9). These mechanism includes arms (25) of the same length forming a pair of compasses between two adjacent walls (16), which pair of compasses has a central articulation secured to the conveying module (9) by a sliding connection located in the mid-plane of the corresponding lane. The walls (16) are connected to one another by a pantograph system (30) and a connecting member, having a link rod (35) extending between the pair of compasses and the pantograph to collaborate with the corresponding support of the conveying module (9) in order to keep it in the mid plane of the corresponding lane.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Sidel ParticipationsInventors: Michael Vasse, Lionel Daniere, Gregory Choplin
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Patent number: 8910396Abstract: A conveyor tunnel for providing a process environment for articles being conveyed through the tunnel includes a plenum that discharges process air into the tunnel. The flow of the discharged process air is directed to impinge against a portion of the article being conveyed through the tunnel.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2012Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: SEETECH Systems, Inc.Inventors: Victor Howard Burchell, James Harper Moffitt
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Patent number: 8851806Abstract: An apparatus (1) for the conveying of plastics material pre-forms (10) along a pre-set conveying path (P) with a first guide rail (2) and a second guide rail (4) for guiding the plastics material pre-forms (10), wherein the plastics material pre-forms (10) are guided between the guide rails (2, 4) and the guide rails (2, 4) have in each case first support faces (12, 14) which extend along the conveying path (P) and which support the plastics material pre-forms (10) during the conveying thereof. The apparatus (1) has a stressing device (42, 44) for acting upon the plastics material pre-forms (10) with a gaseous medium. The plastics material pre-forms are conveyed along their conveying path by being acted upon with the gaseous medium, and a geometrical position of the guide rails is capable of being altered with respect to each other.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Jürgen Beutl, Andreas Seidl, Florian Geltinger, Carsten Schröter
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Patent number: 8833547Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission device and transmission method for glass substrate. The transmission device includes a transmission channel and a calibration mechanism; wherein the transmission channel for loading and transmitting, the calibration mechanism being disposed next to the transmission channel and the calibration mechanism comprising: a first positioning pillar, a second positioning pillar and a driver module; the first positioning pillar being disposed on one side of the transmission channel and the second positioning pillar being disposed on the other side of the transmission channel; the driver module driving the first positioning pillar and the second positioning pillar through the conveyor belt to move towards or away from each other so as to calibrate the position of the glass substrate by clamping or releasing the glass substrate during transmission. The present invention can solve the position deviation problem during transmitting glass substrate.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2012Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: Shenzhen China Star Optoelectronics Technology Co., LtdInventors: Zhenhua Guo, Chunhao Wu, Kunhsien Lin, Yongqiang Wang, Weibing Yang, Yunshao Jiang
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Patent number: 8820514Abstract: A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf
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Patent number: 8813950Abstract: A universally adjustable star wheel for conveying articles on an automated handling line is disclosed. In one embodiment, the adjustable star wheel includes rotatable elements that are configured to rotate around a central axis. Each rotatable element has a central axis, a periphery, and at least one control surface for assisting in controlling the article being conveyed. The control surfaces on the rotatable elements are arranged to together form at least one pocket for the article, wherein the pocket has a width and a depth. The angle defining the control surface on at least one rotatable element is different from the angle of another rotatable element to form the depth of at least a portion of the pocket. In this embodiment, the boundaries of the pocket are configured solely by at least partially rotating at least some of the rotatable elements to adjust the location of the control surfaces of the different rotatable elements to form a pocket for the article being conveyed.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2010Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventor: Clifford Theodore Papsdorf
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Patent number: 8776997Abstract: This invention relates to conveyor guides comprising conveyor guide rail units, such as those used on automated handling lines where containers of different sizes are processed. One or more guide rails are employed to the sides of the conveyor guide to ensure that articles follow a desired path. This invention provides an adjustable conveyor guide rail unit that comprises a guide member operable to be set in a plurality of discrete positions, thereby allowing the width of a channel through which an article may be conveyed to be varied. Width adjustment is effected by adjusting a rotatable tab to align one of a number of holes with a pin provided on the guide rail. With the pin received in a hole, the guide rail is secured in a desired setting.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2013Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Zepf Technologies UK LimitedInventor: Ian Steven Spence
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Patent number: 8770392Abstract: The invention relates to a width-adjusting device for conveyor corridor(s), comprising a wide gear-reduction mechanism connected to the frame (5) of said conveyor, wherein said mechanism is arranged between the control shaft (12) and the wall(s) of said corridor. The device includes: a final drive capable of reverse operation and consisting of said control shaft (12) in the form of an endless screw and of a toothed wheel (11); and a system for controlling at least one of the walls of said corridor, consisting of an endless screw (13) and a nut, the endless screw being mobile or fixed relative to said toothed wheel (11). The shaft (12) of the final drive is a flexible shaft having a long length and engaging with the tension-retaining system (20) for absorbing the pulling and pushing forces in the rotation direction thereof.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2010Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Sidel ParticipationsInventors: Julien Berger, Brice Perreard, David Perrin
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Patent number: 8752697Abstract: The invention relates to an adjusting device for use on a conveyor for transporting packages in a transport direction, comprising at least one transport element forming a transport surface for the packages and further comprising functional elements that can be adjusted in an axial direction transversely with respect to the transport direction, having at least one spindle assembly with at least two spindles, the axes of which are oriented parallel to each other and transversely with respect to the transport direction, having at least two dividing or adjusting elements, each of which engages in a threaded spindle by means of a threaded hole.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2010Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: KHS GmbHInventor: Michael Dercks
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Patent number: 8746443Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for adjusting the flanges in a conveyor belt structure (B) which comprises means (F) for fixing together a flange (C), the conveyor belt structure and said device; top support means (1) for fixing the device to the structure (B) of the conveyor belt with the fixing means (F); bottom support means (2) to which the flange (C) is fixed by means of the fixing means (F) passing through the conveyor belt structure (B); an adjusting screw (3) which allows raising or lowering of the flange (C); an adjusting nut (4) integral with the top support means (1) for allowing the upward or downward movement of the adjusting screw (3); a bush-holder (5) integral with the bottom support means (2); a bush (6) mounted in the bush-holder (5), for allowing rotation of the adjusting screw (3) relative to the bottom support means (2); a washer (7) for preventing friction between the adjusting screw (3) and the bush-holder (5); a lock-nut (8) for fixing the position of the adjusting screw (3);Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2009Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Ford Steel Chile S.A.Inventors: Pablo Araya Arancibia, Alex Harnaldo Castro Castro
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Publication number: 20140110228Abstract: A conveyor for transporting products includes a mounting frame for one or more product feed lanes, each lane being defined by a respective conveyor belt which extends along a respective path, and by element for centring the products on the conveyor belt and including respective first and second lateral guides which are spaced from each other transversely to the direction of extension of the conveyor belt in order to define a track having a respective width. A unit for adjusting the distance between the guides are provided which includes a first transversal support and movement member for the corresponding lateral guide of the lane, and a second transversal support and movement member for the other lateral guide of the lane. Also provided is a respective transversal member for supporting the first and second support and movement members and a defining unit for fastening to the conveyor frame.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2011Publication date: April 24, 2014Applicant: PULSAR S.R.L.Inventor: Massimo Franzaroli
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Patent number: 8695787Abstract: A guide rail system for guiding containers in preselected positions on one or more conveyors. The guide rail system has inner and outer subsystems for locating the containers on the conveyor. The inner subsystem includes one or more offset adjustable point devices, each located at a preselected offset location adjacent to a straight segment of the conveyor and spaced apart from a boundary between it and a curved segment by a preselected distance. The inner subsystem also has one or more first and second transition rail portions, each mounted to said at least one offset adjustable point device, for engaging the containers as they are moved on the straight segment and the curved segment respectively. The first and second transition rail portions are positionable by the offset adjustable point device to locate the containers in the preselected positions.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Septimatech Group Inc.Inventors: Glen A. Bell, Daniel J. Turner, Edward P. Kozak
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Patent number: 8668077Abstract: A belt plough assembly is used to deflect material on a conveyor belt. The belt plough assembly includes a support structure, and a blade operatively positioned by the support structure on the material carrying side of the conveyor belt and orientated to deflect or redirect outlying material on a conveyor belt back inside the alignment of the skirts. The support structure includes a housing having an upright slot within which the blade is slidably mounted. The blade rests on the belt under its own weight, but is freely movable relative to the support structure. This enables the blade to maintain contact with the belt and follow any undulations in the belt, and self-adjust for wear on the blade. A damper may be provided for damping movements of the blade.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2011Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Tasman-Warajay Pty LtdInventor: Paul Sundstrom
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Patent number: 8668073Abstract: The conveyor installation makes it possible to control the speed of items of the bottle (1) type dispatched in several trains distributed across various paths in the form of single-file lanes (11). The lanes are delimited by a pair of walls (16, 17) which are arranged in an omega shape over a base plate made up of several juxtaposed conveyors (13, 14, 15). Each lane (11) may comprise a fixed wall (16) acting as a reference, and a moving wall (17) that can be adjusted according to the dimensions of the items that are to be conveyed.Type: GrantFiled: June 11, 2009Date of Patent: March 11, 2014Assignee: Sidel ParticipationsInventors: Zmaj Petrovic, David Perrin, Haim Touitou
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Patent number: 8662292Abstract: A conveyor belt assembly with a housing profile that protects components positioned in an interior of the housing from spilt products and is easier to clean than previously known conveyor belt assemblies. The conveyor belt assembly of this invention includes a frame with a sloped surface positioned under the conveyor belt such that spilt product that falls through the conveyor belt lands on the sloped surface and gravity pulls the spilt product off the sloped surface to a side of the housing for easy clean up.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Service Industries, LLCInventors: Zachary Brackemyer, Jeff Dean, Danny Gonzalez, Gino Rigitano, Jerral Richardson
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Patent number: 8651264Abstract: A transport device and a method for the transport of articles are disclosed. The transport device is provided with a plurality of single lanes for the single articles having a width (BE). Each single lane is provided with one separating element. Adjacent single lanes are separated by one of the separating elements. The widths (BE) are adjustable with at least one displacing means. At least two adjacent single lanes form a group of lanes with a width (BG). Several of the groups of lanes formed in such a way are slidable to each other. The widths are adjustable with at least a further displacing means.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Herbert Spindler, Karl Rausch, Josef Mayer, Martin Bauer, Josef Unterseher
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Patent number: 8613355Abstract: A positioning unit, comprising: a support for a member to be positioned; an actuator for moving the support between a plurality of predetermined working positions; a position selector comprising a plurality of spacers that can be moved into an operative position positioning a stem of the actuator corresponding to a said predetermined working position of the support, wherein the position selector is coupled to the actuator such that movement of the actuator during actuation drives the operation of the position selector. The positioning unit has particular application to the positioning of guides of a conveyor of articles.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2010Date of Patent: December 24, 2013Assignee: Rexnord Marbett S.R.L.Inventor: Andrea Andreoli
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Patent number: 8499921Abstract: An adjustable guide rail assembly for a conveyor system includes an adjustable guide member having a face extending between opposite sides, a large radius face segment and a small radius face segment. The large radius face segment and the small radius face segment extend widthwise between the opposite sides of the adjustable guide member and each define an arcuate guide path for a three dimensional article. A radius of the arcuate guide path changes by rotating the adjustable guide member from a large article configuration where the large radius face segment having a larger radius defines the arcuate guide path to a small article configuration where the small radius face segment having a smaller radius defines the arcuate guide path.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2012Date of Patent: August 6, 2013Assignee: The Procter & Gamble CompanyInventors: Jason Matthew Orndorff, Todd Michael Yeagle
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Patent number: 8490780Abstract: A guide rail system for guiding containers moved by a conveyor defining a path with a curved segment. The guide rail system includes a number of contact portions, for engaging the containers, to at least partially locate the containers in preselected positions on the conveyor, and a number of adjustable point devices, for locating the contact portions in predetermined locations respectively relative to the conveyor. Each adjustable point device includes an adjustment element on which one or more of the contact portions is mounted. The system also includes a drive element connected to the adjustable point devices to locate the adjustment elements, including a flexible shaft substantially aligned with the curved segment, which is connected with selected ones of the adjustable point devices are spaced apart from each other along the curved segment.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2010Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Septimatech Group Inc.Inventors: Glen A. Bell, Michael W. Carey
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Patent number: 8464864Abstract: A guide rail system for guiding containers on a conveyor on which the containers are moved. The guide rail system includes first and second contact portions for engaging the containers to at least partially locate the containers respectively in preselected positions on a surface of the conveyor, first and second adjustment elements positioned proximal to first and second sides of the conveyor respectively, on which the first and second contact portions are mounted, and first and second adjustable point devices spaced apart from each other along the first and second sides respectively, for moving the adjustment elements transversely. The system also includes one or more height adjustment assemblies for positioning side contact portions selected from the group consisting of the first contact portions, the second contact portions, and the first and second contact portions in predetermined locations therefor relative to the surface of the conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2011Date of Patent: June 18, 2013Assignee: Septimatech Group Inc.Inventors: Glen A. Bell, Daniel J. Turner, Edward P. Kozak
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Patent number: 8413798Abstract: A device for conveying products 2, particularly food products, has a horizontal conveying path supported by a base and having a drive 1 substantially extending in the horizontal direction, wherein the drive 1 is reversibly driven, and is associated with at least one auxiliary conveyor device 3, 4 also supported by the base. The device has a conveying belt 5 for the product 2 driven by a drive, and having rails and carriers 3, 4 to laterally support and carry the product 2 a distance from the drive 1.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2009Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Espera-Werke GmbHInventor: Roger Krutmann