Link Belt Attached To Carrier Belt Patents (Class 198/849)
  • Patent number: 11834275
    Abstract: A mail sortation system includes a frame system, a conveyor carried by the frame system, a driven axle on one end of the conveyor, a pair of split idler axles, one idler axel on each side of the conveyor, a chain from each idler axel to the driven axel, and a chain slack adjustment mechanism. The idler axels are configured to rotate independently of each other. The chains are coupled to the conveyor, such that rotation of the driven axle causes the idler axles to rotate and the conveyor to translate. The chain slack adjustment mechanisms remove slack in each chain by increasing the distance between the driven axle and the idler axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: National Presort, LLC
    Inventor: Fred Ayala
  • Patent number: 11648703
    Abstract: A deburring apparatus includes (among other components) a frame and an elongated flat element connected to the frame. Rollers are adapted to support and rotate a vacuum belt around the apparatus. A perforation device is positioned and adapted to make perforations in the vacuum belt as the vacuum belt is rotated by the rollers. Making the perforations in the vacuum belt causes debris to remain in at least one of the perforations. The elongated flat element is positioned to contact the debris in the perforations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan Herko, George L. Vassilaros
  • Patent number: 9809387
    Abstract: An anti-sticking conveyor belt of a frying machine includes a first transmission axle and a second transmission axle oppositely disposed, two chains, a plurality of connecting rods and a plurality of conveyor strips. Each conveyor strips is made of a high temperature resistant and anti-sticking material, and includes a conveyor belt surface for conveying fried products, a conveyor lower surface away from each conveyor belt surface, and a channel provided outwards between each conveyor belt surface and each conveyor lower surface. As each conveyor belt surface is greater than each conveyor lower surface and with cooperation of the chains, leveled progressing of the conveyor strips is maintained. At arched positions of the first transmission axle and the second transmission axle, the conveyor lower surfaces do not come into contact with one another, and the conveyor belt surfaces arranged are small to obtain an even and flat conveying plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2017
    Assignees: Chuan Yang Foods Machine Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Mu-Lin Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8528716
    Abstract: A device for connecting a chain, which is actively connected to a roller, to a step or a pallet of an escalator or a moving walkway, respectively. The chain has a roller side and a step or pallet side. The device includes a hollow stud disposed on the roller side and a cylindrical shoulder disposed on the step or pallet side. The hollow stud has a clearance to receive the cylindrical shoulder. A slide bearing is arranged at least radially between a circumferential surface of the hollow stud defining the clearance and an outer circumferential surface of the shoulder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: Winfried Lanzki, Carsten Rolf, Andreas Tautz, Alfred Thiel, Heinrich Zeiger
  • Patent number: 8522960
    Abstract: The spiral belt conveyor is a conveyor belt system for transporting articles vertically along a helical path. The spiral belt conveyor includes a platform and a central frame structure extending upwardly from the platform. Two idler rollers are mounted on the platform. A helical track having an inner portion and an outer portion is concentrically disposed around the shaft. The inner portion of the helical track has a first radius, and the outer portion thereof has a second radius greater than the first radius. An upper end of the inner portion of the helical track meets an upper end of the outer portion of the helical track adjacent an upper end of the central frame structure. A conveyor belt is mounted on the helical track and the pair of idler rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Matthew J. Johnson
  • Patent number: 8312989
    Abstract: A conveyor belt for transporting a product, includes a plurality of transport assemblies, each one of the plurality of transport assemblies comprising a side link assembly; a support assembly connected to the side link assembly; a product support member supported on the support assembly and adapted for displaceable movement with respect to the side link assembly and the support assembly; and an actuation member supporting the product support member with respect to the side link assembly and the support assembly, the actuation member coacting with the side link assembly for moving the product support member between a first position wherein the product support member is in a first plane of travel with respect to the side link assembly for conveying the product, and a second position wherein the product support member transitions to a second plane of travel with respect to the side link assembly different from the first plane of travel for providing a space between the product support member of each one of the p
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Linde Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Stephen A. McCormick, Simon Shamoun
  • Patent number: 7987974
    Abstract: A conveyor belt is made with a series of spaced apart buttonless rods. The buttonless rods are connected to each other with a plurality of links. The buttonless ends of the rods are welded or otherwise affixed to the links so that the ends of the rods are substantially coplanar with the outer surface of the links. This forms a relatively smooth link surface, which is readily cleaned and sanitized. Additionally, wear and tear is reduced on driving grip surfaces that frictionally grab onto the links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Ashworth Brothers, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack Montgomery, Craig Musselman, Joseph Fout, Paul Steinhoff
  • Patent number: 7874418
    Abstract: Multi drive unit for propelling a modular conveyor belt, where the conveyor belt is made from a plurality of substantially identical belt links, where each link has a top and bottom surface, two side faces and a front and rear edge, where eye parts project from the front and rear edges, where the eye parts are separated by openings, such that the eye parts along the front edge of one belt link may intermesh in the openings provided between the eye parts along the rear edge of an adjacent belt link, and that apertures provided in the eye parts perpendicular to the intended travelling direction are superposed and a hinge pin may be inserted in order to hingely connect the overlapping eye parts and thereby adjacent belt links, wherein the unit comprises a plurality of parallely arranged axles, where each axle is provided with a plurality of sprocket wheels, each sprocket wheel having a number of projecting teeth distributed along its circumference, where the sprocket wheels on the same axle are spaced along the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Ammeraal Beltech Modular A/S
    Inventors: Dieter Steinsträter, Carsten Seib
  • Publication number: 20100108475
    Abstract: A conveyor belt includes a plurality of spaced rods transversely disposed with respect to a direction of travel and a plurality of plate elements overlying at least some of the rods so as to provide a support surface which imparts a predetermined marking or lack of marking to the product being conveyed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Cambridge International, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles HENNIGAR, Chetwyn Jones
  • 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: 7559421
    Abstract: A conveyor system includes a chain with modular side and intermediate guide links. The guide links assist in supporting the chain along the return run in a suspended fashion intermediate of the outer sides without causing wear on the conveying surface. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2009
    Assignee: Span Tech LLC
    Inventors: Michael D. McDaniel, Wendell S. Bell
  • Patent number: 7494005
    Abstract: A variable spaced conveyor belt includes a plurality of spaced tractive rods and a plurality of rows of wickets transversely disposed with respect to a direction of travel and interconnecting the plurality of spaced tractive rods, each of the rows of wickets including a plurality of first links and a plurality of second links, the plurality of first links have a first spacing and the plurality of second links have a second spacing, the first spacing being less than the second spacing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Cambridge International, Inc.
    Inventors: George H. Messick, Jr., Robert E. Maine, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7407052
    Abstract: A stabilized and guided conveyor belt (202) includes multiple transport chains (108) and interchangeable conveyor plates (100) that form the surface of the conveyor belt (202). The conveyor plates (100) can be easily attached independently of one another in a side by side fashion onto the transport chains (108) and are readily detachable from the transport chains (108) to facilitate replacement or rearrangement. Certain of the plates (100) function selectively as a platform on which to mount accessories such as lug members (136) and include means for receiving (134) accessories and for locking (138) accessories into place. The conveyor belt (202) is guided and supported by a smooth rail (420). Both the plate (100) and the rail (420) include interacting stabilizing features (130, 132, 424a, 424b) that cooperate to prevent buckling and rippling of the transport chain (108).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Mead Westvaco Packaging Systems, LLC
    Inventors: John W. Cash, III, Michael F. Flagg, Larry D. Chuba
  • Patent number: 7004311
    Abstract: A belt for conveying elements in provided wherein the belt comprises a compressible layer attached to the top surface of the belt. Preferably the compressible layer is resiliently deformable to cushion the impact of items on the belt. The belt preferably is a link belt and the top surface of the belt comprises a bonding layer for adhering the compressible element to the belt. The bonding layer may be a thermoplastic urethane that is heat fusible with the compressible layer to adhere the compressible layer to the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: Fenner U.S., Inc.
    Inventors: Frank B Fatato, Brian Roberts
  • Patent number: 6945387
    Abstract: A top surface and a bottom surface of an endless belt. The bottom surface having a longitudinal row of spaced apart pairs of pocket attached. Openings in each pocket of a pair opposed to each other, the pocket pairs mounted equidistant between the belt sides. A clip having a pair of spaced apart pliable feet mounted respectively in each pair of pockets. A link of a link chain is held in place by a pair of spaced apart downwardly directed arms integral with the clip. The link chain is engaged to a sprocket drive in a conveyor system to move the endless belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Franz G. Christensen
  • Patent number: 6843366
    Abstract: A curved conveyor is provided which includes at least a pair of supports arranged so that their axis lines mutually intersect at a desired angle, and an endless curve belt having a flat fan shape matching the angle which is supported on the respective supports so as to be able to run. An endless drive chain is formed along the outer circumference of the curved belt to be bendable in a running direction and in a direction orthogonal to the running direction by connecting multiple unit members to each other. Connecting members connect the unit members of the drive chain to the outer circumferential portions of the curved belt corresponding to the unit members, such that a driving force by the drive chain is applied to the outer circumferential side of the curved belt so as to run the curved belt in a curved manner at a desired angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: Startechno Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Yousuke Shiotani
  • Patent number: 6536583
    Abstract: A conveyor device comprises a conveyor belt including a plurality of slidable links which can slide on guiding elements. The conveyor belt is driven by a timing belt through link teeth formed on each of the links, and designed for engaging corresponding teeth of the timing belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Inventor: Reguzzi Luigi
  • Publication number: 20020157927
    Abstract: An endless track includes an iron link belt, a continuous pad, and a connecting device. The iron link belt includes a link unit assembly constructed of a plurality of link units connected to each other. Each link unit includes a pair of links. The iron link belt may include a plate welded to the pair of links and extending perpendicularly to a direction in which the link unit assembly extends. The continuous pad includes the same number of core metal plates as that of the link units and a single urethane rubber belt covering and being attached to a ground opposing surface of each of the core metal plates. The urethane rubber belt extends continuously over all of the core metal plates. The urethane rubber belt may include a small thickness portion positioned between two adjacent core metal plates. The connecting device connects the iron link belt and the continuous pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: October 31, 2002
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Takeno, Hirokatsu Niitsu, Kiyokazu Niwa, Makoto Takagi, Masaki Ohara
  • Patent number: 6019030
    Abstract: A toaster for bread-type food products includes a housing defining at least one toasting cavity. A toasting heater is operatively associated with the cavity. An endless chain-type conveyor is provided for conveying food products through the cavity. An endless belt is disposed about the conveyor to prevent the chain-type conveyor from imprinting the food products. The belt includes a seam, and a retention portion of the belt at the seam is engaged with the conveyor to prevent slippage between the belt and the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2000
    Assignee: Prince Castle Inc.
    Inventor: David L. Kettman
  • Patent number: 5773114
    Abstract: A splice for a fabric reinforced conveyor belt comprising a fabric layer having mating ends cut as an arc of a circle having a radius whose length is greater than the width of the fabric. There is also provided a fabric reinforced conveyor belt comprising: a) a pulley cover; b) at least one layer of fabric reinforcement; and (c) a top cover, wherein the fabric layer has a splice as described immediately above.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
    Inventor: Anthony Dennis Adams
  • Patent number: 5590758
    Abstract: A slat sorter includes a plurality of platens each supported by two slats. The slats are driven by hollow pin chain and are fastened to the chain by a ball detent pin which passes through the hollow pin of the chain into the slat end. The head of each ball detent pin acts as a bearing surface against a wear strip which confines lateral motion of the slats. The divert switches in the sorter use a switch arm driven by a motor. The arm is configured to allow rapid switching and a brake on the motor prevents rotation of the motor in the event of power failure to prevent the arm from drifting into an intermediate, potential crash, position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Western Atlas Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Wilkins, Walter L. Steffens
  • Patent number: 5378213
    Abstract: A nonmotorized aquatic treadmill including an endless looped belt made from a meshed material to substantially reduce the friction between the meshed belt and the deck of the treadmill. In one embodiment, the treadmill includes fixed curved end pieces mounted at each end of the deck over which the meshed belt slides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Jeffrey T. Quint
  • Patent number: 5102285
    Abstract: A trailer assembly is disclosed for receiving, transporting and discharging flowable bulk material. The trailer assembly includes a pair of opposing generally vertical side walls which are secured to a frame member and converged downwardly and inwardly. Flexible flap members extend downwardly from the bottom edges of the side walls. The side walls are joined by a front end wall and a rear wall to define a bin having an open floor. A conveyor is provided as a floor for the bin with the conveyor extending beneath the side walls and having a width greater than the distance between bottom edges of the side walls and positioned closely adjacent to the terminal edges of the flexible flap members. The conveyor includes a pair of opposing endless chains which are mounted about sprockets with the chains connected by cross members. The conveyor includes a continuous belt member secured to the cross members at intervals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Assignee: J. D. Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Jacob N. Gust
  • Patent number: 4872306
    Abstract: A chain mesh for easy installation comprises a plurality of running lengths of chain. In one embodiment a plurality of vertical running lengths are positioned in parallel spaced relationship. A plurality of substantially horizontal running lengths are then positioned closely adjacent the plurality of vertical running lengths, and then the points of crossing are interconnected by connecting links therebetween. Each connecting link is normally open, and then closed after being installed between a respective vertical link and a close horizontal link. The connecting links permit a flexibility between the vertical and the horizontal chains, but substantially retain the cross parallel chains in such relationship. This crossed relationship may have the respective plurality of chains substantially perpendicular to each other, or they may be at an oblique angle to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Ensminger, Andrzej Kalazny
  • Patent number: 4869061
    Abstract: A chain mesh for easy installation comprises a plurality of running lengths of chain. In one embodiment a plurality of vertical running lengths are positioned in parallel spaced relationship. A plurality of substantially horizontal running lengths are then positioned closely adjacent the plurality of vertical running lengths, and then the points of crossing are interconnected by connecting links therebetween. Each connecting link is normally open, and then closed after being installed between a respective vertical link and a close horizontal link. The connecting links permit a flexibility between the vertical and the horizontal chains, but substantially retain the cross parallel chains in such relationship. This crossed relationship may have the respective plurality of chains substantially perpendicular to each other, or they may be at an oblique angle to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 1987
    Date of Patent: September 26, 1989
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald H. Ensminger, Andrzej Kalazny
  • Patent number: 4338078
    Abstract: An improved conveyor assembly is provided for transporting a transparent vitreous substrate along a group of controlled radiative heaters. A plurality of control groups are formed from the radiative heaters and the illumination for the various control groups is isolated so that areas of the conveyor or substrate are illuminated by only a single control group at any one time. Heater control thermocouples are affixed to the radiative heater elements and the output signals from the control thermocouples are calibrated from a calibration thermocouple extending to a position between the control thermocouple and the substrate surface. A wire mesh belt assembly permits illumination of the substrate through the conveyor assembly while supporting the substrate in a manner effective to obtain uniform heating of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1980
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1982
    Assignee: Photon Power, Inc.
    Inventor: Curtis M. Lampkin
  • Patent number: 4326626
    Abstract: A conveyor comprises two endless chains mounted on sprockets secured on two transverse shafts, and a plurality of transverse slats mounted on and extending between the chains. The chains are fitted with wheels which roll along rails for supporting the chains and slats. Each slat comprises a main plate made of thin sheet metal and having its longitudinal margins turned down through an angle greater than 90.degree., a rod having the shape of a shallow V which extends along the underside of the plate and has its ends secured to the main plate adjacent the ends of the main plate, and a central upright plate which supports the center of the main plate on the center of the rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 1980
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1982
    Assignee: Alfa Laval Pty Ltd.
    Inventor: Ian P. Brockwell
  • Patent number: 4260053
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible conveyor belt wherein two pairs of links at one end thereof are respectively and rotatably fitted onto each end of transverse rods disposed with regular spacings from each other. One pair of the said links are rotatably connected with a pair of links fitted onto a preceding transverse rod, while the other pair thereof is rotatably connected with a pair of links fitted onto a succeeding transverse rod. These are characterized in that the center of a connecting spindle rotatably connecting the links of the said preceding and succeeding transverse rods is adapted to be located below the center line connecting the centers of the transverse rod receiving holes in the state in which the connected links are rectilineally extended. This enables the flexible conveyor belt to expand, contract and bend systematically with a small curcature radius and smooth and noiseless movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 1979
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1981
    Inventor: Hirosuke Onodera