Means Slidably Supporting Belt Patents (Class 198/841)
  • Publication number: 20130031793
    Abstract: Chain bar apparatus and methods are disclosed that may be formed from plastic, metal or other materials. Laser cutting of a chain bar core can provide improved structural characteristics, for example when adhesive is used to assemble the chain bar. Flow diversion elements can be used to optimize flow throughout the chain bar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Inventor: Anthony Baratta
  • Patent number: 8322516
    Abstract: Pallet (1) for a conveyer system, comprising a body (2), a first guide disc (3) and a second guide disc (4) attached to the body (2), where a first slide plate (9) is mounted to the first guide disc (3) and a second slide plate (10) is mounted to the second guide disc (4), characterized in that the slide plates (9, 10) are mounted to the guide discs (3, 4) with a snap locking by means of a plurality of protrusions (11, 12, 13). The advantage of the invention is that a pallet can easily be adapted for a different use in a conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: FlexLink Components AB
    Inventor: Göran Abbestam
  • Patent number: 8123023
    Abstract: A compliant conveyance system for processing mailpieces along a feed path, e.g., printing on a first surface of a mailpiece, while being registered against a contact surface of a registration plate. The conveyance system comprises at least one conveyor belt opposing the contact surface of the registration plate, a continuous, uninterrupted, compliant deck disposed beneath and supporting an underside surface of the conveyor belt, and a spring biasing device operative to bias the compliant deck and the conveyor belt toward the contact surface of the registration plate. The conveyor belt includes a drive surface for engaging a second surface of each of the mailpieces for conveyance along the feed path. As each of the mailpieces pass the registration plate, the compliant deck and spring biasing device urge the second surface of each mailpiece into engagement with the contact surface during processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J. Williams, Russell W. Holbrook
  • Patent number: 8096410
    Abstract: An adjustable item transport includes a deck for supporting items, a transport element for transporting the items along the deck on a transport path, a plurality of support elements rotatably supporting the transport element, and an adjustment member. Each support element may include a plurality of recesses configured to receive the transport element. Each recess corresponds to an operating position of the transport element. The adjustment member may include a handle portion, a first guide portion adjacent to a first edge of the transport element, and a second guide portion adjacent to a second edge of the transport element. Movement of the handle portion substantially perpendicular to the transport path engages one of the first guide portion and the second guide portion with a respective edge of the transport element to move the transport element between recesses in the support element to change the operating position of the transport element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: W. Scott Kalm, Nathan Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110272256
    Abstract: Components (anti-idling system) for use with a pinspotter system and method of installation is described herein. The anti-idling system includes an anti-idling channel provided underneath a pit conveyor belt adjacent a rear roller of the pit conveyor belt and an elevator system of a pinspotter assembly. The anti-idling channel has a fastening mechanism structured to attach the anti-idling channel to a sidewall of the pinspotter assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2011
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: QUBICAAMF WORLDWIDE LLC
    Inventors: LeRoy T. WARREN, JR., Charles A. LEE
  • Patent number: 8028814
    Abstract: Conveyor apparatus and method are disclosed for continuous haulage of coal or ore in an underground mine, including a plurality of floor-supported frame members held in position by belt tension and further held in position optionally by bolts or pins. The novel holding frame provides rapid and efficient extendable, retractable construction in the mine. The novel continuous haulage system handles larger and heavier pieces of equipment and can be pulled to a different position in an underground mine as a complete unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventors: James J. Szalankiewicz, Scott A. Walter, Alan R. Polka
  • Patent number: 8002108
    Abstract: A tensioning apparatus for a circulating element, such as a belt or a band, has a basic body in which a first chamber is formed. A piston is positioned in the first chamber and carries a piston rod. The piston can be displaced in the first chamber by the use of a pressure fluid. Either the piston rod or the base body is attached to the carrier for the belt or band. Either the piston rod or the basic body carries a head piece which can be moved in contact with the circulating element. A locking mechanism for the piston rod can be engaged and disengaged by the use of fluid pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Koenig & Bauer Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Wolfgang Melchior
  • Patent number: 7988609
    Abstract: A folding table, in particular for a folding device which is provided with a chopper folding device, includes a folding face which is suitable for receiving a flat product to be folded, and a folding aperture which extends in a conveying direction, the table extending along a table plane. The folding face includes guides which are capable of guiding at least one conveyor for conveying a flat product to be folded in the conveying direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Goss International Montataire SA
    Inventors: Jéróme Peres, Philippe Herda, Thierry Vauchelle, Franck Chagnon, Eric Pierda, Thierry Melon, Mathieu Rossi
  • Patent number: 7971707
    Abstract: A wear guide assembly for use with a plastic modular conveying belt. The wear guide snap fits into position onto a support channel. The wear guide has a back wall, a first wall extending from the back wall, and a second wall extending from the back wall. The assembly also includes a support channel with a back wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The first and second side walls have distal portions bordering an opening. The first and second side walls have opposed projections extending from the distal portions that form first and second shoulders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventor: Dietmar Elsner
  • Patent number: 7942789
    Abstract: An exercise device includes a support frame and a continuous running surface supported by the support frame. The support frame defines a horizontal plane having a longitudinal axis. The continuous running surface includes a movable belt and a plurality of sections mounted thereon and extending along a longitudinal axis of the belt. Each section includes an upper surface defining at least one inclined portion that is laterally inclined relative to the horizontal plane of the support frame. Adjacent upper surfaces of the plurality of sections define at least one laterally inclined track of the running surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Dynamic Fitness Equipment, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Charniga, Jr., Genadi Hiskia
  • Patent number: 7921989
    Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, a sample conveyor apparatus for conveying a sample holder which permits a sample container to be held therein, the sample container permitting a sample to be received therein, includes, a belt base extending along a conveyance path, a conveyor belt stretched on the belt base and to be run to form the conveyance path, and a frame unit including a pair of guide rails which extend along the conveyance path to guide the sample holder along the conveyance path, the frame unit being detachable from the belt base, the conveyor belt being detachable from the belt base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: IDS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Teruaki Itoh
  • Patent number: 7891483
    Abstract: A device for treating foodstuffs, in which the foodstuffs are conveyed by a conveyor belt through a treatment zone, such as tunnel freezers for freezing foodstuffs. The conveyor belt is supported by a frame on which sliding rails are mounted to reduce friction. The conveyor belt is guided over these sliding rails. To prevent hygiene problems such as those occurring due to gaps formed when the sliding rails are mounted on the carrier, the sliding rails are designed as self-supporting elements. The sliding rails here are preferably simply placed on the transverse bars of the supporting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Volker Kamm
  • Patent number: 7878323
    Abstract: A conveyor for conveying products along a conveying track with varying temperature, comprising a first axle provided with first divert wheels and a second axle provided with second divert wheels and a plurality of modular, endless conveyor mats built up from plastic modules, travelling in side-by-side parallel relation in a conveying direction around the first and second divert wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Rexnord Flattop Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Michael Van Rees, Cornelis Hendrik Mijndert Menke, Gijsbertus Johannes Verduijn
  • Patent number: 7874419
    Abstract: A conveyor frame assembly for use with a conveyor belt formed from individual links each joined together at pivot points. The conveyor frame assembly includes a drive assembly that pulls the conveyor belt around a drive roller to transition between the upper and lower runs of the conveyor belt. The drive end includes a support block that encloses the side edges of the conveyor belt as the conveyor belt transitions over the drive sprockets. The side frame members each include a continuous retaining channel having a height greater than the thickness of the conveyor belt. The retaining channels formed on opposite sides of the conveyor frame assembly allow the lower run of the conveyor belt to “tent” by creating an angle between adjacent links of the conveyor belt assembly. The tenting of the lower run of the conveyor belt eliminates catenary sag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Dorner Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Michael A. Hosch, Paul Hau
  • Patent number: 7857126
    Abstract: The invention relates to a guide for supporting a displaceable object, comprising: a plastic guide profile (1, 7, 16, 30) and a support structure (6, 12, 18, 32) supporting the guide profile, characterized in that the guide profile is engaged at least at two spaced-apart positions by the support structure, at least one engaging position of which consists of a free support (4, 5, 10, 11, 13, 14, 33, 34) of the guide profile on the support structure such that the freely supporting side of the guide profile is displaceable relative to the support structure. The invention also relates to a device (21) for conditioning products displaceable along a guide track (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Stork Townsend B. V.
    Inventors: Jaap Bakker, Wilhelmus Johannes Everardus Maria Van De Dungen
  • Patent number: 7832549
    Abstract: A curved conveyor comprises a toothed, endless belt and a slider bed that supports a portion of the belt. The slider bed can include at least one guide in the form of a rail extending along the slider bed in the direction of belt travel. Each of the belt teeth are discontinuous and have at least one gap sized to receive the at least one guide; thus, the at least one guide prevents inward radial migration of the belt during movement of the belt. The conveyor can further comprise a center guide wheel or a guide post to prevent belt radial migration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Thermodrive LLC
    Inventor: James Honeycutt
  • Patent number: 7815040
    Abstract: Impact bed assemblies are provided, both static and dynamic, for absorbing impact forces taken by conveyor belts. The static and dynamic bed assemblies generally are constructed to optimize their impact absorption capacities while minimizing their space requirements under the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Flexible Steel Lacing Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. Kuiper, Brett E. DeVries, Richard W. Gilman
  • Publication number: 20100236899
    Abstract: Slides for use on an endless belt conveyor belt and wear pads for use on slides for endless belt conveyors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: CANGLIDE INC.
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Boudreau
  • Publication number: 20100230252
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly for use in a load zone support assembly is disclosed. The cartridge assembly includes a shaft configured to be coupled to an idler frame of a belt conveyor system. The cartridge assembly further includes a support plate coupled to the shaft and a wear pad coupled to the support plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Jarrod J. Felton
  • Publication number: 20100206700
    Abstract: A chain guiding mechanism for a linear motion machine comprises a support member and a linear motion device. The support member cooperates with a chain and the linear motion machine to move, respectively. The support member is disposed on the linear motion device for carrying a part of the weight of the chain, so as to prevent the chain from vibration, thus avoiding influencing the displacement precision of the linear motion machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Inventor: Cheng-Feng LIN
  • Patent number: 7757839
    Abstract: Slides for use on an endless belt conveyor belt and wear pads for use on slides for endless belt conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Canglide Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Boudreau
  • Patent number: 7757840
    Abstract: An improved conveyor assembly includes a conveyor belt for conveying a product to one or more product operations is disclosed. Such conveyor assembly includes a pair of spaced apart side frames that support the conveyor belt and between which the conveyor belt rotates. The side frames are formed from an upstanding member and a inwardly extending horizontal member. Both the frame upstanding member and the frame horizontal member carry a series of elongated slots. One or more L-shaped brackets are formed from a generally upstanding member and an inwardly extending member. Both the bracket upstanding member and the bracket horizontal member carry a series of elongated slots. The bracket horizontal member slots are configured to overlay the frame elongate horizontal member slots, and the bracket upstanding member slots are configured to overlay the frame upstanding member slots for attaching components to the frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Unique Metal Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Don A. Rogers, Rick A. Musick
  • Patent number: 7753194
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly is provided. The conveyor assembly comprises a frame having structural support elements that facilitate easy cleaning of the device and avoid the collection of water, bacteria, debris and the like. The frame of the conveyor assembly may further comprise one or more means for retaining wear strips on the frame that provide for the secure retention of the wear strip, yet allow easy removal and cleaning of the associated components. A sanitary removable hinge is also disclosed and may be used in connection with a conveyor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Industrial Design Fabrication & Installation, Inc.
    Inventors: Todd Gerald Jager, Tony Wayne Derrick
  • Publication number: 20100072036
    Abstract: A unitary plastic chain guide for a row unit is provided including 2 blocks, one disposed at each end of the chain guide, and a wall extending therebetween to guide the chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: Kent Stephen Brown, Timothy Franklin Christensen, Gregory Scott McCunn
  • Patent number: 7681719
    Abstract: A transfer tail assembly for use with a conveyor assembly that creates a reduced radius transition from the upper run to the lower run of a continuous conveyor belt used with the conveyor assembly. The transfer tail assembly includes a stationary nose bar over which the continuous conveyor belt passes at the end of the conveyor assembly. The nose bar is supported at the end of the conveyor assembly by a series of support brackets mounted to a cross support. Each of the support brackets is formed from a wear resistant material and contacts the conveyor belt as the conveyor belt passes around the transfer tail assembly. The nose bar, support brackets and cross support are mounted within the tail assembly without the use of any external connectors and thus require no tooling to assemble and disassemble.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Dorner Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Michael A. Hosch, Scott M. Hall, Daniel E. Ertel
  • Patent number: 7673741
    Abstract: A conveyor apparatus and method for conveying materials in which the conveyor belt has chord members located along each belt side. The chord members are adapted to fit within a slotted track assembly whereby the chord members slide relative to the track assemblies when the conveyor is actuated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Inter-Source Recovery Systems
    Inventor: William D. Nemedi
  • Patent number: 7665595
    Abstract: A transportation system for a transportation device has a transportation chain having a plurality of chain links joined to form an articulated endless chain and with a sprocket to reverse the chain. The transportation chain has several equally-spaced guide elements which, in a transportation area of the transportation device are guided along a guide rail. The guide elements are formed of sliding elements that are mechanically linked to the transportation chain and slide along the guide rail when the transportation system is in motion. An outer circumference of the sprocket has recesses which at least partly accommodate the sliding elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Inventio AG
    Inventors: Michael Matheisl, Thomas Novacek
  • Publication number: 20090314608
    Abstract: An improved conveyor assembly includes a conveyor belt for conveying a product to one or more product operations is disclosed. Such conveyor assembly includes a pair of spaced apart side frames that support the conveyor belt and between which the conveyor belt rotates. The side frames are formed from an upstanding member and a inwardly extending horizontal member. Both the frame upstanding member and the frame horizontal member carry a series of elongated slots. One or more L-shaped brackets are formed from a generally upstanding member and an inwardly extending member. Both the bracket upstanding member and the bracket horizontal member carry a series of elongated slots. The bracket horizontal member slots are configured to overlay the frame elongate horizontal member slots, and the bracket upstanding member slots are configured to overlay the frame upstanding member slots for attaching components to the frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Applicant: Unique Metal Designs, Inc.
    Inventors: Don A. Rogers, Rick A. Musick
  • Publication number: 20090277757
    Abstract: Slides for use on an endless belt conveyor belt and wear pads for use on slides for endless belt conveyors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: Canglide Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Boudreau
  • Patent number: 7594573
    Abstract: The invention concerns a conveying apparatus, essentially including an endless conveying element which is guided over several deflecting elements and comprises a conveying sector and a return sector, the conveying sector defining a conveying plane E, a drive for the conveying element and elements for centering the conveying element, which is distinguished by the fact that at least the deflecting elements arranged at opposite ends of the conveying sector are designed as elements for centering the conveying element transversely to the direction of transport T with an inwardly directed shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2009
    Assignee: Nordischer Maschinenbau Rud. Baader GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Thomas Grabau
  • Patent number: 7584839
    Abstract: A linear band guide device for supporting and defining a path for a band includes an elongate band support element, a first band end support at a first end of said elongate band support element, a second band end support at a second end of said elongate band support element. The elongate band support element has a substantially flat top surface capable of functioning as a slide bed for the band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Inventor: Niels Bugge
  • Publication number: 20090218199
    Abstract: A component subjected to wear during use includes a powder coating formed of a polymer selected from the group consisting of a polyamide, polyolefin, polyester, urethane, epoxy, acrylic, and mixtures thereof to provide improved wear resistance, enhanced cleanability, and reduced surface friction. Preferably, the component is for use in conveying product, such as in a conveyor system, and includes: (1) a metal core and a nylon powder coating; or (2) a stainless steel core and a powder coating. Most preferably, the coating is generally clear or translucent so as to give the appearance that the underlying component, which is typically made of metal, is neither coated nor made entirely of a polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Mark D. Russell
  • Patent number: 7562766
    Abstract: Typical roller conveyors suffer from excess noise and frequent maintenance due to worn rollers and roller bearings. Continuous loop belt conveyors solve some of these problems, but still suffer from an inability to change the width of the conveyor belt without significant rework or adjustment. Although a narrower belt can be used without major adjustment, prior continuous loop conveyor systems still suffer from belt drift. To alleviate these problems, a belt conveyor system that easily adjusts to accommodate continuous loop belts of varying widths is provided. The system comprises a rigid conveyor frame having at least one pair of generally parallel side walls traversed by one or more support brackets. The support brackets are secured to the conveyor frame. Additionally, one or more belt guides, having at least one surface for guiding a conveyor belt, are secured to the support brackets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Anheuser-Busch, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Call, Christopher J. Luber
  • Patent number: 7530450
    Abstract: A station for supporting a moving conveyor belt (3) includes a cradle (17) for guiding the belt (3), the cradle (17) having at least two rollers (33) for guiding and supporting the belt (3), a frame (15) for supporting the rollers (33), and anti-jamming protection (35) disposed along the rollers (33) and secured to the frame (15). Protection (35) includes a protective bar (36) extending continuously along the length of at least two rollers (33), being substantially parallel to a generator line of each roller (33).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: René Brunone
  • Patent number: 7527144
    Abstract: An impact bed for use with belt conveyors comprises a base frame having parallel, spaced-apart side members extending lengthwise where the side members have an arcuate, concave upper edge. Attached to the upper edge of the side members is an arcuate, concave plate having plural rows, each of a plurality of apertures or alternatively a plurality of tubes or channels having apertures may be used. Completing the assembly are a plurality of polymeric bars, with a smooth upper surface and a plurality of lugs dimensioned and spaced to fit into the plurality of apertures of one of the plural rows. The apertures and lugs are designed to interlock with one another such that no special tools are needed to remove the bars form the top plate when the bars become worn out. Channels having flex points may be used to support the bars. Idlers may be used on the supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignees: Nelson-Williams Linings, Inc.
    Inventor: Arthur C. Ostman
  • Patent number: 7513357
    Abstract: A work module for connection to a main conveyor line in a conveyor system, in which the work module comprises a first transverse conveyor line, a longitudinal conveyor line and a second transverse conveyor line. The first transverse conveyor line is arranged to transport goods delivered from the main conveyor line to a longitudinal conveyor line in the module. The second transverse conveyor line is arranged to transport goods delivered from the longitudinal conveyor line to the main conveyor line. Further, each of the first transverse, longitudinal and second transverse conveyor lines in the work module comprises an outer conveyor line and an inner conveyor line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: FlexLink Components AB
    Inventors: Göran Abbestam, Tommy Karlsson
  • Patent number: 7510069
    Abstract: A vacuum belt conveyor for transferring a web threading tail in a web manufacturing machine has a frame construction (15) and an air permeable belt loop (20), which is arranged around rolls (16, 17). The vacuum belt conveyor also has a first vacuum means (22) for creating a vacuum effect for the part of the belt loop (20) that transports the web threading tail (14) and a second vacuum means (23) for creating a vacuum effect in connection with the first roll (16). The second vacuum means (23) is arranged in the frame construction (15) for creating a vacuum to be introduced to the first roll (16) inside the belt loop (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Assignee: Metso Paper, Inc.
    Inventors: Veli-Pekka Koljonen, Mikael Junttonen, Matti Lehtonen
  • Publication number: 20090057104
    Abstract: A wear pad for use on a slide of an endless track conveyor belt comprising an elongated body having a flat top surface for slidably supporting a conveyor belt during travel of the belt over the top surface between leading and trailing edges of the top surface, and a plurality of grooves having V-shaped cross-sections in said top surface extending between the leading and trailing edges of the body for discharging liquid falling onto the top surface, whereby drag between the wear pad and the belt is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Jean-Marc Boudreau
  • Patent number: 7490714
    Abstract: A transport device is particularly suitable for use in a vacuum chamber for the transportation of a flat substrate through the vacuum chamber and comprises a belt conveyor with at least one flexible infinite belt guided around at least two deflection rollers, whereby at least one deflection roller can be driven, and further including a filling element positioned for filling at least the space contained by the infinite belt or belts. The air volume enclosed by the transport device is significantly reduced in comparison to conventional solutions by incorporating the filling element in the transport element. As a result, the volume to be evacuated from the vacuum chamber is reduced. The vacuum chamber can be evacuated and ventilated more rapidly. Nevertheless, the transport device is constructed so as to be maintenance-friendly. Maintenance work can be carried out easily, because the infinite belts and the deflection rollers are easily accessible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Von Ardenne Anlagentechnik GmbH
    Inventors: Jochen Krause, Michael Hofmann
  • Patent number: 7431150
    Abstract: An adjustable curved neck guide for a conveyor is disclosed. The guide comprises a plurality of segments mounted on first and second plates using a series of pin and slot assemblies. Each segment has first and second surfaces and a guide edge, the segments arranged end to end such that the guide edges define a curve having radius. As the second plate is moved relative to the first plate, the pins slide in the slots thereby moving the segments and changing the radius of curvature defined by the guide edges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Sidel (Canada) Inc.
    Inventor: Michel Ranger
  • Patent number: 7422518
    Abstract: To ease a load to drive power for rotationally driving a coin dispensing belt even if the number of coins on the coin dispensing belt which carries the coin increases, a belt guide mechanism is provided which includes a belt guide for guiding the coin dispensing belt along a coin carrying direction, a coin contacting face which is located at both sides of the belt guide, and is located lower than a coin carrying surface, and an escape space for allowing the coin carrying surface of the coin carrying belt to be located lower than the coin contacting face when a downward bending force is applied to the coin dispensing belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Assignee: Toshiba Tec Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazumi Kotani
  • Patent number: 7410048
    Abstract: A guide bend segment (30) for a modular conveyor chain, comprising a profile from plastic material with a substantially flat upper side (31) extending along an axis proceeding in a curved manner with a guide face in which at least one guide is formed for guiding the modules of a modular conveyor chain, in which profile, adjacent the guide, magnets (37A, 37B) are included for pulling body parts of successive modules (1) of the chain to be guided against the upper side through cooperation with hinge pins (25) of the modular conveyor chain, wherein the at least one guide comprises two grooves (32A, 32B) proceeding in the longitudinal direction of the profile, so that the profile, adjacent the guide plane at the location of the guide has a substantially E-shaped cross section with a central projection (33) located between the grooves and legs located outside the grooves, on an inside bend side and an outside bend side of the projection, respectively, and that in the legs (38A, 39B), magnets are included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: Rexnord FlatTop Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Gijsbertus Johannes Verduijn, Leonardus Adrianus Cornelissen
  • Patent number: 7325673
    Abstract: Disclosed is a belt conveyor capable of greatly reducing friction resistance between side portions of a belt and troughs, comprising troughs (5), a belt moving above the troughs (5) along a longitudinal direction thereof, belt bending members (12) provided outside on both sides of the belt in the width direction so as to be located upstream of an entrance (5a) of the troughs, for abutting with both side portions of the belt to be bent upwardly, load cells (14) for detecting a reactive force exerted by the belt with which the belt bending members (12) make contact, guide rails (16) engaged to cause the belt bending members (12) to be displaced to be fixed at a desired position so as to bend the side portions of the belt or restore the bent belt, and rails (20) for moving the guide rails (16) along the longitudinal direction of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Kotaki, Tsunetoshi Goto, Yoshiki Nishida
  • Publication number: 20080011585
    Abstract: A shearer-loader drive subassembly having a rotatably mounted drive sprocket, a transmission gear connected to the sprocket in a rotationally fixed manner, at least one releasable guide shoe provided for guiding the shearer loader on a rack arrangement, and a housing base plate, on which a bearing tube is supported and fastened in a rotationally fixed manner. The guide shoe is fastened by a pin which passes through the inner bore of the bearing tube and forms the pivot bearing for the guide shoe. A bearing sleeve rotatably supported on the bearing tube by a bearing may be arranged between the drive sprocket and the bearing tube, onto which bearing sleeve the drive sprocket may be pushed in a releasable manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2007
    Publication date: January 17, 2008
    Inventors: Gerhard Merten, Thomas Hoelken
  • Patent number: 7299917
    Abstract: Disclosed is a belt conveyor capable of greatly reducing friction resistance between side portions of a belt and troughs, comprising troughs (5), a belt moving above the troughs (5) along a longitudinal direction thereof, belt bending members (12) provided outside on both sides of the belt in the width direction so as to be located upstream of an entrance (5a) of the troughs, for abutting with both side portions of the belt to be bent upwardly, load cells (14) for detecting a reactive force exerted by the belt with which the belt bending members (12) make contact, guide rails (16) engaged to cause the belt bending members (12) to be displaced to be fixed at a desired position so as to bend the side portions of the belt or restore the bent belt, and rails (20) for moving the guide rails (16) along the longitudinal direction of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takashi Kotaki, Tsunetoshi Goto, Yoshiki Nishida
  • 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: 7267223
    Abstract: A conveyor, primarily but not exclusively for use in the food industry, in which a conveyor belt (19) is supported on a belt platform (11) for movement relative thereto, and the belt platform (11) is formed as a unitary component from a single sheet metal blank. Preferably the conveyor includes a support leg structure (12, 13) and that supporting leg structure is also formed as a unitary component from a single metal blank. Most preferably the belt platform and the supporting leg structure are formed as a unitary component from a single metal blank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Innoveytion Limited
    Inventor: Simon Spoors
  • Patent number: 7246697
    Abstract: The present invention is a corner section of a conveyor frame assembly that includes removable slide bars and wear strips. The corner section is formed from two side frames of stainless steel joined by multiple stainless steel cross supports. Each of the cross supports is configured to receive a plurality of slide bars formed from a durable plastic material, such as UHMW. The side frames of the corner section also receive a series of support rods positioned to support the lower run of the conveyor belt. Each support rod supports a continuous, lower wear strip and a support puck. The entire corner section can be disassembled and reassembled without the requirement of any external tooling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Dorner Mfg. Corp.
    Inventors: Michael A. Hosch, Scott M. Hall, Daniel E. Ertel
  • Patent number: 7234589
    Abstract: A modular conveyor belt with a self-adjusting edge for bearing against a conveyor side rail. An edge pad, which can be made of a durable material for long wear life, pivotably attaches to the side edge of a belt row. The pivotable attachment allows the pad to adjust itself to maximize its contact area with the side rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kyle J. Sedlacek
  • Patent number: 7225918
    Abstract: A transport device for transporting goods, preferably on pallets or the like, along a transport path has at least two lateral peripheral traction elements (2), especially transport chains. To this end, support elements (3) are fixed, preferably articulated, to the peripheral traction elements (2), the goods to be transported or the pallets being supported on the support elements. The support elements (3) are arranged tightly in a row along the traction element, and especially cover the peripheral traction element (2), each peripheral traction element (2) having its own support element (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Knapp Logistik Automation GMBH
    Inventor: Karl Freudelsperger