Formed Of Or Including Pivotally Interconnected Rigid Links Patents (Class 198/850)
  • Patent number: 8371437
    Abstract: A module (1) for a conveyor mat, comprising a body part (2) which is provided, on front and rear sides (3, 6) operatively extending transversely to the conveying direction (p), with hinge loops (5A, 5B) mutually spaced apart at mutual intermediate distances (4A, 4B), and an underside (7) operatively cooperating with a guideway. The underside (7) is provided with a downwardly extending mounting frame (11) for receiving a guide element. The module (1) may be included in a modular conveyor mat, comprising a number of modules being consecutive in conveying direction, each provided with a body part extending transversely to a conveying direction, having hinge loops reaching forwards and rearwards in the conveying direction, while the hinge loops of consecutive modules cooperate and are coupled by means of hinge pins, and at least one of the modules is designed with a mounting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rexnord Flattop Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Hendrik M. Menke, Gijsbertus Johannes Verduijn
  • Patent number: 8371436
    Abstract: A conveyor having a conveying face includes a side guard. The side guard is formed with a series of wall parts extending in a conveying direction and upstanding transversely to the conveying direction. At least two wall parts of the series of wall parts overlap in the conveying direction at least partly at a top side of the at least two wall parts remote from the conveying face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rexnord Flattop Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Leonardus Adrianus Catharinus Cornelissen, Ronald Sigmond
  • Patent number: 8360411
    Abstract: The present invention relates to equipment used to manufacture PV cells or modules. In some embodiments, a support structure is provided that provides support for substrates used in the manufacture of PV cells or modules. The support structure provides support for the substrate at the edge, allows access to the rear of the substrate and is composed of materials that do not contaminate the substrate during processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: MRL Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Reese Reynolds, Wail George Mansour, Mark Dipietro, Chetwyn Jones
  • Patent number: 8312988
    Abstract: A luggage conveyor system includes a frame, a plurality of pallets movably supported by the frame each having a load carrying surface configured to convey luggage thereon, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a chain formed by a plurality of chain links connected to each other. At least one chain link of the plurality of chain links is coupled to one of the plurality of pallets. The drive assembly further includes a motor-driven drive wheel, and a plurality of driven wheels coupled to and driven by the drive wheel. The plurality of driven wheels are arranged such that at least two of the driven wheels simultaneously contact the same one of the plurality of chain links to frictionally drive the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Diversified Conveyors, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Wilson, Thomas M. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20120279832
    Abstract: A conveyor of the articulated chain type for transporting products, includes a mounting frame for elements for supporting and guiding a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt includes a plurality of links forming elements for supporting the product and articulated connected to each other, each link having a first and a second plurality of longitudinal protrusions which extend in opposite longitudinal directions and which are transversally spaced from each other so as to form respective spaces for receiving the longitudinal protrusions of an adjacent link. The link includes a perpendicular protuberance forming elements for engaging and sliding against a transversal centering surface of guide elements in a curved stretch of the belt and a transversal protuberance extending laterally of the link and forming elements for engagement and sliding relative to a perpendicular longitudinal retaining surface of the guide elements, retaining elements for keeping a connecting pin inserted between adjacent links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: BETT SISTEMI S.R.L.
    Inventor: Tienno Bettati
  • Patent number: 8302764
    Abstract: A double-helix spiral conveyor, a method for conveying articles up and down a spiral conveyor, and a method for constructing a drive drum for a spiral conveyor. The double-helix spiral conveyor conveys articles on the conveyor up the inner side of a spiral drum by engaging the outer edge of the belt and down the outer side of the drum by engaging the inner edge of the belt. A slew drive at the bottom of the drum drives the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Matthew J Johnson
  • Patent number: 8276747
    Abstract: A modular conveying system with sprockets engaging the modules such that they do not cover any link gaps but are positioned between the link gaps. The module is characterized by link structures having link pairs that are spaced apart sufficiently at a distance to allow the sprockets to be located between the link pairs. Positioning the sprockets between the link pairs leaves the hinge gaps uncovered and thus allows free access to the hinge gap for cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventors: Dieter Guldenfels, Marco Lucchi
  • Publication number: 20120217138
    Abstract: An environmentally controlled conveyor system including a sensor-instrumented conveyor belt conveying products continuously through a thermal-treatment process and a method for determining the instantaneous position of the sensors. Temperature or other sensors are embedded in the conveyor belt across its width and along its length to advance with the product through the thermal-treatment process, such as through a pasteurizer tunnel. The sensor measurements are transmitted wirelessly from the belt to a remote system controller for monitoring or controlling the system. Data from sensors measuring environmental or belt conditions are used to determine the instantaneous positions of the sensors to coordinate the sensor data with sensor position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: LAITRAM, L.L.C.
    Inventor: David W. Bogle
  • Publication number: 20120186950
    Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a food and drink conveying device that allows a travel body on which food and drink are placed to stably travel along a curved path of a travel path while maintaining the stability of the food and drink. A travel body (7) is provided with a travel body main unit (26), which is driven and conveyed, and a leading body (27) at the front end of the travel body main unit (26) in the direction in which the travel body (7) travels. The leading body (27) is supported by the travel body main unit (26) so as to be pivotable in a horizontal plane. Contact sections (29) are provided to both sides of the leading body (27) in the widthwise direction relative to the direction in which the travel body (7) travels and aligned on either side in the direction in which the travel body (7) travels. The contact sections (29) provided on the inner side of a curved path portion (10a) are configured to make contact in the curved path (10a) at two locations in a travel path (1a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Ishino Seisakusyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruki Ishino, Shintaro Sasahara, Toshihiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 8220620
    Abstract: The invention provides a load-carrying conveyor chain that can be bent backward, realizing spatial three-dimensional conveyance, and can be hooked deeply by sprocket teeth, thus rarely causing jump of the teeth. The chain is constructed by endlessly connecting link bodies each having a head composed of a hollow cylindrical portion defined by walls having elongated pin holes extending circumferentially of the cylindrical portion, and a pair of legs respectively having pin holes by inserting a rotatable bearing body having a through pin hole into the cylindrical portion and by inserting connecting pins into the pin holes of the legs, the elongated pin holes of the head and the through pin hole of the bearing body while disposing the head of one link between the pair of legs of the contiguous other link. One end of the bearing body is extended to project out of the cylindrical portion and the bearing body has a flange at the projecting end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Hajime Ozaki
  • Patent number: 8220618
    Abstract: A conveyor chain for gripping and conveying paper material has a plurality of links hingedly connected to each other. At least one of the links has a grip arm having a first grip surface. The grip arm is movable back and forth relative to a second grip surface of the chain between a grip position for holding paper material and a retracted position for insertion of the paper material between the first and second grip surfaces. The links are molded of plastic material. The or each grip arm is an integrally molded portion of one of the links. A conveyor including such a chain is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Neopost Technologies
    Inventor: Erik Jouke Bijl
  • Patent number: 8220619
    Abstract: A conveyer apparatus for transporting and processing pellet-shaped articles includes a conveyer and a discharge device. The conveyer includes a plurality of carrier bars to convey a plurality of articles along a predetermined conveyer path. Each carrier bar has a pocket half that cooperates with a pocket half of an adjacent carrier bar to form an article receiving pocket to receive and transport an article along the predetermined conveyer path. The discharge device is positioned with respect to the carrier bars to dislodge articles from the carrier bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Ackley Machine Corporation
    Inventor: E. Michael Ackley
  • Publication number: 20120145519
    Abstract: A luggage conveyor system includes a frame, a plurality of pallets movably supported by the frame each having a load carrying surface configured to convey luggage thereon, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a chain formed by a plurality of chain links connected to each other. At least one chain link of the plurality of chain links is coupled to one of the plurality of pallets. The drive assembly further includes a motor-driven drive wheel, and a plurality of driven wheels coupled to and driven by the drive wheel. The plurality of driven wheels are arranged such that at least two of the driven wheels simultaneously contact the same one of the plurality of chain links to frictionally drive the chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: Diversified Conveyor, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Wilson, Thomas M. Phillips
  • Publication number: 20120128133
    Abstract: A conveyor chain comprising rigid segments which extend over a width of the chain and are configured at least in part as plates of a uniform thickness and density. The segments are connected together in a loop and have elements to couple each segment to a following segment and a preceding segment. Neighboring segments may flex against each other from a substantially straight line to a convex angle in relation to the loop, so that the chain is adapted to conform to rollers or sprockets, but is resistant to flexing in the opposite direction. The segments overlap each other to form a transport area of substantially uniform thickness and density to provide at least one substantially gapless band of substantially uniform transmissivity to radiation in the transport area, wherein the connector elements are located outside the transport area. A system comprising the chain is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: METTLER-TOLEDO SAFELINE X-RAY LTD.
    Inventor: Nigel John King
  • Publication number: 20120125743
    Abstract: A multi-link conveyor chain is provided that includes a first plurality of links and a second plurality of links positioned along the length of the conveyor chain and collectively defining the conveyor chain. The first plurality of links has a wear surface that has enhanced wear resistance in relation to a conventional wear surface of the second plurality of links. The first plurality of links may be spaced in a pattern or randomly in the chain, in various percentages in relation to the second plurality of links.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Ramsey Products Corporation
    Inventor: William Carleton Hall
  • Publication number: 20120125742
    Abstract: A modular spiral belt and method for molding belt modules for constructing a heat-resistant belt. The spiral belt is constructed of a series of hingedly interconnected belt modules. The modules have single hinge links at the outside of a turn and dual hinge links elsewhere. All the hinge links extend outward from opposite faces of a central transverse spine. The dual hinge links, which each have a pair of parallel legs joined at a distal end by a yoke, are separated by a transverse pitch greater than the transverse pitch of the single one-legged hinge links at the outside of a turn. When molded from a blend of a thermoplastic polymer and a nanoclay, belt modules are useful in heat-resistant applications without sacrificing beam stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: LAITRAM, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Andrew A. Corley, Daryl J. Marse, Dax Wilson-Boyer, Philip J. Wunsch
  • Patent number: 8167751
    Abstract: A conveyor belt comprising a plurality of successive belt elements (2), each belt element (2) comprising at least one transverse rod (4) and two opposing side members (3) connected to each other by the at least one transverse rod (4), and a link (6) forming a joint intermediate the lateral edges (7a, 7b) of the conveyor belt between the adjoining transverse rods (4) of each pair of adjoining belt elements (2). Each link (6) comprises a plate (11) in which two successive rod receiving holes (12) are formed, wherein the rod receiving holes (12) have an offset (O) towards a first side (13) of said plate (11) and wherein a recess (16) is formed in said first side (13) of the plate (11), between said rod receiving holes (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies AB
    Inventors: Göran Gramby, Urban Wilthorn
  • Publication number: 20120097506
    Abstract: A link which defines a link body that includes a multiple of link plates integral with a link body, the link body disposed at least partially forward of a forward edge of the multiple of link plates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventor: Maral Bebejian
  • Patent number: 8162134
    Abstract: A conveyor belt, in particular for a pasteurizer, with a conveyor surface and with support rollers, which are arranged beneath the conveyor surface and support it on a carrier. In order to improve the protection of the conveyor belt against glass breakage without having to significantly increase the drive power, that the conveyor surface is formed from metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Hans-Joachim Krause
  • Publication number: 20120080292
    Abstract: A feeder-breaker for processing material. The feeder-breaker generally includes a frame, a conveyor supported by the frame and operable to convey material along the axis, a conveyor chain cover removably connected to the frame to enable access to components of the conveyor from an interior of the frame, and a breaker positioned adjacent the conveyor and operable to process material. The conveyor chain cover includes a chain cover member engaged with the side member. The chain cover member includes a cover portion that extends from the side member and over the chain to cover the chain and an access panel is connected to the chain cover member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventor: Scott G. Powers
  • Patent number: 8136655
    Abstract: The heat resistant conveyer belt with side walls according to the invention aims at solving such a prior technical problem that cleats and skirt-boards easily get loose from a base belt. The conveyer belt of the invention comprises a base belt and cleats positioned on the base belt, wherein the conveyer belt is provided with metal frameworks embedded in the cleats and the cleats are fixed on the base belt through fasteners. The cleats and the skirt-boards are respectively embedded with metal frameworks within, so that they can be fixed on the base belt through fasteners, thereby preventing from getting loose from the base belt and increasing the life time of the conveyer belt and reducing its cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Qingdao Rubber Six Group Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Dun Zhang, Chengcal Sun
  • Patent number: 8132663
    Abstract: A conveyor table of a cutting machine capable of making a difference in level between a conveyor table and a air table small, and preventing a sheet material from shifting or collapsing with a simple configuration is provided. A pair of caterpillar tracks 10 formed by bridging a chain 11 over a pair of sprockets 12, 13 arranged at a carry-in side end and a carry-out side end in a conveying direction, a plurality of brush mounts 20 attached to the chain 11 in parallel to connect the caterpillar tracks 10, and a brush block 30 having bristles 32 arrayed on each of the brush mounts 20 are arranged. The brush mount 20 has a portion on the carry-in side fixed to the chain 11 and a portion on the carry-out side not fixed to the chain 11.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Shima Seiki Mfg., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenji Nakai, Reiji Arikita
  • Patent number: 8113340
    Abstract: A modular member for a conveyer belt is provided that includes an elongated main base, at least one attaching rod and a plurality of hooks. The at least one attaching rod is coupled proximate a first side of the main base. The plurality of aligned hooks are coupled proximate a second side of the main base. Each hook includes a slot defined by an inner surface. The slot of each hook is configured to receive an attaching rod of another modular member. The inner surface that defines the slot of at least one hook has an attaching rod relief cutout section. The attaching rod relief cutout section limits wear between the attaching rod of another modular member that is received in the slot of the at least one hook and the inner surface of the slot of the at least one hook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Hormel Foods Corporation
    Inventors: Marshall D. Smith, Steven R. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120024676
    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: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen A. McCORMICK, Simon SHAMOUN
  • Publication number: 20110315508
    Abstract: A roller bearing and newel guide assembly (30) for a newel (24) in an escalator (10) has a newel guide (32), a roller chain (34), and a spring (40) connected between the roller chain (34) and the newel guide (32) to provide tension to the roller chain (34). The roller chain (34) comprises a series of interlinked chain units (36). Each chain unit (36) includes a frame (78), at least one roller bearing (72), and a pin (76) for connecting the roller bearing (72) to the frame (78). Each chain unit (36) has a female connector (62) and a male connector (64), which allow each chain unit (36) to connect to an adjacent chain unit (36) to form the roller chain (34).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Applicant: OTIS ELEVATOR COMPANY
    Inventors: Ke Ye, Yanying Anne Chen, Coliu Wu, Shouhong Wang, Qingdong Jiang
  • Patent number: 8079463
    Abstract: A conveying device (100) according to the invention includes several conveying bodies (102), which roll on a guidance (101) via several rolls (3), wherein the rolls (3) are connected and mutually distanced by means of a flexible connecting body (9) The conveying bodies (102) include means (103; 104, 105) for mutual support, which prevent a movement of the conveying bodies (102) out of the guidance (101). A connecting body (9) and allocated rolls (3) form a roll body (2), wherein the roll body (2), on average, includes two or less than two rolls (3) per conveying body (102). A roll body (2) for a conveying device (100) includes a plurality of rolls (3) mutually connected in a linear manner, wherein the rolls (3) are mutually connected and distanced by means of a flexible and in particular also elastic connecting body (9). In a preferred embodiment, the connecting body (9) may be bent in at least two directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: WRH Walter Reist Holding AG
    Inventors: Walter Reist, Erwin Muller
  • Patent number: 8074791
    Abstract: A hook assembly for a modular conveyor belt having a conveying surface is provided. The hook assembly has a link interleaved with a plastic link from the modular conveyor belt. A hinge pin secures the link and plastic link together. The link has a recess in the conveying surface, an aperture disposed in the recess and a slot adjacent the aperture opening into the recess. The slot has a reinforced segment. A hook having a shall is provided which is slidable in the slot and includes a sharpened end of the hook disposed on a conveying side of the link and a translational member carried by the shaft and engagable with a track on a conveyor assembly such that the interaction between the track and the translational member results in movement of the hook between a lowered position in which the hook is positioned within the recess and a raised position in which the hook is disposed above the conveying surface. A modular conveyor belt is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Design Fabrication & Installation, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Jager
  • Patent number: 8074793
    Abstract: A conveyor system and method of assembling same in which parts are fastened without the use of welding, clamps, or threaded fasteners such as bolts and screws is provided. A bracket and slot mechanism is used to attach one conveyor component to another. The bracket and slot mechanism allows components to be easily attached/detached by merely applying force to slide the bracket into the slot. Moreover, when engaged, the bracket is held securely in the slot so that the components do not become detached during normal operation of the conveyor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Industrial Design Fabrication & Installation, Inc.
    Inventor: Todd Jager
  • Publication number: 20110297513
    Abstract: A bar conveyor belt includes two parallel longitudinal chains and a plurality of bars forming the conveying surface and fixed at their ends to the successive links of the two chains. Each chain link consists of a metal plate bent in the form of a U with its arms disposed to define a space intended to partially house that adjacent link positioned upstream with reference to the chain advancement direction, the arms being provided with a longitudinal slot for passage of that bar connected to the downstream link, the outer arm presenting an appendix engageable by the teeth of a drive sprocket. The appendix of each link is bent in the chain advancement direction to form a tooth with a complete involute profile, and the end of each bar extends into the appendix and is fixed to the top thereof, after passing through two holes provided in the arms of the link and the slots provided in the arms of the upstream link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: TECNOPOOL S.P.A.
    Inventor: Leopoldo Lago
  • Publication number: 20110278137
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a carriage frame that is used in a slope plate carriage carrousel system that may be found in airports for conveying luggage for passengers to claim. A slope plate carrousel carriage frame according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a slope plate support member. The slope plate support member is configured to support a slope plate of the carrousel system. A lower carriage is coupled to the slope plate support member. The carriage frame also includes at least one removable connecting link.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Globe Composite Solutions, Ltd.
    Inventor: Brian Charles Evans
  • Publication number: 20110278136
    Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt constructed of belt modules having hooked structure to hold belt rows together during splicing for easier hinge-rod insertion and to accommodate an elongated belt edge portion permitting hinge-rod growth and a method for splicing such a belt together. The modules include a pivot end that hooks into a mating receptacle on the module of a consecutive belt row. An aperture through the receptacle and the pivot end is aligned with the apertures of other hinge elements to form a lateral passageway for a hinge rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: LAITRAM, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David C. Weiser, Gilbert J. MacLachlan, Terral A. Ridgell
  • Patent number: 8033388
    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: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: Span Tech LLC
    Inventor: Mark D. Russell
  • Publication number: 20110233033
    Abstract: A device for sorting products including a frame, an endless drivable flexible conveying element, successive elongated carriers, which are each coupled to the conveying element via a coupler for being conveyed in a conveying direction along an endless conveying path, which carriers extend transversely to the conveying direction, and pusher elements which are each movable along a carrier. The coupler including a supporting part and a supported part supported by the supporting part, as well as a connector for detachably connecting the supporting part and the supported part together, wherein the supporting part is coupled to the conveying element and the supported part is connected to a carrier, and wherein the connector can be accessed from the upper side of the supported part for effecting the connection between the supporting part and the supported part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: VANDERLANDE INDUSTRIES B.V.
    Inventors: Rob Theodorus Maria Poels, Johannes Gerardus Adrianus Marinus Verbunt, Martinus Johannes Maria Vertogen
  • Patent number: 8020693
    Abstract: A conveyor chain link has a leading edge, a trailing edge, two opposed side edges, a load carrying upper surface and a bottom face. The leading and trailing edges have pluralities of eye parts separated by openings, such that the trailing edge of one belt link may be arranged in the openings arranged on the leading edge of an adjacent belt link. The belt links are connected either by inserting a traverse rod through apertures in the eye parts or by fitting lateral notches in slots provided in sides of the eye parts on the opposite edge on the sides of the eye parts along one edge. Between the leading and trailing edges and the side edges at least a part of a load carrying surface has a one-sided inclination towards one side edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: uni-chains A/S
    Inventors: Kenneth Westergaard Andersen, Peter Broe
  • Patent number: 8011496
    Abstract: A conveyor means (1) for transporting articles (3) by an endless conveyor belt (5) is disclosed. The endless conveyor belt (5) has lengthwise two sides (6) and is lead on a support (11) and composed of a plurality of chain links (9). The endless conveyor belt (5) has a curved path (8) in at least one section and the curved path (8) having a radius of curvature (44) with reference to a central point (42) of a circle (40). The support (11) has at least one inner guiding (17) for the endless conveyor belt (5), and the inner guiding (17) running along an inner side section (7) of a side (6) of the endless conveyor belt (5) being directly opposite of the central point (42) at the curved path (8). A plurality of rolls (21) is arranged along the inner guiding (17), wherein the rolls (21) operating with each face (23) of the chain links (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Martin Seger, Wolfgang Hausladen
  • Publication number: 20110198199
    Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying content in a conveyor system are provided. A content displaying conveyor plate includes a base plate and an upper plate that is configured to be releasably coupled to the base plate. The upper plate can be configured to display content, for example content that is integral to the base plate, content that is disposed between the upper plate and the base plate, or any combination thereof. The upper plate can be coupled to the base plate via one or more connection members defined on the upper plate and/or the base plate. Any, number, such as all of the base plates of an existing conveyor system can be replaced with respective content displaying conveyor plates. The base plate of the content displaying conveyor plate can define one or more recesses, the recesses configured to receive an attachment member and/or other components of a carousel therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2011
    Publication date: August 18, 2011
    Inventors: Stephen William Armstrong, Michael Samuel Lagana
  • Patent number: 7987973
    Abstract: A conveyer belt, of the type used in endless conveyors, has a plurality of belt links. Each belt link is substantially identical, and has a front edge, a rear edge, two side edges, an upper surface, and an under surface between the edges. The front and rear edges relate to the direction of travel in use. The front edge of each belt link is provided with an indentation and the rear edge is provided with a mirror image of the indentation in the form of a recess. The front edge of one belt link snugly fits in the rear edge of an adjacent belt link.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Ammeraal Beltech Modular A/S
    Inventor: Peter Broe
  • 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: 7980385
    Abstract: An easy-to-clean conveyor belt constructed of a series of rows of belt modules having lateral depressions forming channels across the width of the belt along which water can be sprayed to flush debris off the side edge of the belt. Lateral ridges between the depressions and hinge eyes at the ends of each module serve as levees that prevent debris being flushed through the channels from draining into hinge joints between consecutive belt rows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Kevin W. Guernsey
  • Patent number: 7975840
    Abstract: A flat wire conveyor belt system includes a plurality of spaced tractive rods and a plurality of rows of pickets transversely disposed with respect to a direction of travel and interconnecting the plurality of spaced tractive rods, each of the rows of pickets 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. The system further includes a sprocket, wherein the plurality of first links are configured to engage the sprocket teeth thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Cambridge International, Inc.
    Inventors: George H. Messick, Jr., Robert E. Maine, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7975838
    Abstract: A conveying system include a guiding channel (12) with at least one conveyor unit (10) that is guided inside it and may be moved along it and a drive unit (30) for driving at least one conveyor unit (10). The conveyor unit (10) includes a series of several links which, when viewed in the axial direction, have a first joint element (1) at their first end and a second joint element (2) at their second end, respectively. The first and second joint elements (1, 2) are formed in a mutually corresponding manner and, as a result, the conveyor unit (10) is provided for transmitting pushing forces. The drive unit includes at least one roller body (35) consisting of a plurality of rollers (31), wherein the rollers (31) can be conveyed in a circular orbit (34) by a roller drive (36).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: WRH Walter Reist Holding AG
    Inventor: Walter Reist
  • Publication number: 20110155542
    Abstract: A module (1) for a conveyor mat, comprising a body part (2) which is provided, on front and rear sides (3, 6) operatively extending transversely to the conveying direction (p), with hinge loops (5A, 5B) mutually spaced apart at mutual intermediate distances (4A, 4B), and an underside (7) operatively cooperating with a guideway. The underside (7) is provided with a downwardly extending mounting frame (11) for receiving a guide element. The module (1) may be included in a modular conveyor mat, comprising a number of modules being consecutive in conveying direction, each provided with a body part extending transversely to a conveying direction, having hinge loops reaching forwards and rearwards in the conveying direction, while the hinge loops of consecutive modules cooperate and are coupled by means of hinge pins, and at least one of the modules is designed with a mounting frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventors: Cornelis Hendrik M. Menke, Gijsbertus Johannes Verduijn
  • Patent number: 7967132
    Abstract: A module (1) for a conveyor mat, comprising a body part (2) which is provided, on front and rear sides (3, 6) operatively extending transversely to the conveying direction (p), with hinge loops (5A, 5B) mutually spaced apart at mutual intermediate distances (4A, 4B), and an underside (7) operatively cooperating with a guideway. The underside (7) is provided with a downwardly extending mounting frame (11) for receiving a guide element. The module (1) may be included in a modular conveyor mat, comprising a number of modules being consecutive in conveying direction, each provided with a body part extending transversely to a conveying direction, having hinge loops reaching forwards and rearwards in the conveying direction, while the hinge loops of consecutive modules cooperate and are coupled by means of hinge pins, and at least one of the modules is designed with a mounting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Rexnord Flattop Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Cornelis Hendrik M. Menke, Gijsbertus Johannes Verduijn
  • Publication number: 20110139073
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly for use in a vapor deposition apparatus includes a housing defining an enclosed interior volume. A conveyor is driven in an endless loop path within the housing. The housing has a top member that defines an open deposition area in an upper conveyance leg of the conveyor. The conveyor includes a plurality of interconnected slats, with each slat having a respective flat, planar outer surface and transverse edge profiles such that, in the upper conveyance leg of the conveyor, the outer surfaces of the slats lie in a common horizontal plane and define an uninterrupted flat support surface for a substrate conveyed through the vapor deposition apparatus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: PRIMESTAR SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: MAX WILLIAM REED, RUSSELL WELDON BLACK
  • Patent number: 7958991
    Abstract: A conveyor belt (1) includes a metallic net belt (8) functionally driven by at least a traction drum (5), tensioned by at least a return drum (12) and supported by a plurality of independent transversal rollers (13). Belt (1) supports individually a plurality of plates (2) partially overlapping one another, so as to form a flat continuous transport surface as a mobile reliable plane that is resistant to extreme mechanical stress. Each of said plates (2) is suitably shaped so that an upper portion of one plate overlaps a lower portion of the following plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Magaldi Power S.p.A.
    Inventor: Mario Magaldi
  • Publication number: 20110127146
    Abstract: A link chain or a chain link for scraper chain conveyors with vertical and horizontal chain links which are interlinked in an articulated manner for scraper chain conveyors for use in mining. In particular to horizontal chain links with front sections with a straight face zone and with longitudinal limbs, which connect the front sections around an oval inner opening and which are provided on their outer surfaces with a recess, wherein the rear sides of front sections delimiting the inner opening form a contact zone for circular arcs of vertical chain links. In order to improve the service life of the link chain, the rear sides, which face oval inner opening, of front sections are provided with a surface which has a hollow, which forms a central region of the contact zone, between a fillet cambered in a crowned manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: Bucyrus Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Hans Meya, Gerhard Merten
  • Patent number: 7950213
    Abstract: A link belt for use as a conveyor belt or power transmission belt is provided. The belt is formed of a plurality of links forming a series in successive overlapping relation. The upper surface of each belt link includes an electrically conductive layer. Additionally, the lower surface of each belt link may have an electrically conductive layer. The conductive layer or layers provide an electrical path along the belt to impede the build-up of static electricity as the belt is run during use. A method for producing the conveyor assembly is also provided. A plurality of layers of reinforcing material are arranged in overlapping relation. A binding material such as thermoset urethane is deposited on the reinforcing material to bind the reinforcing materials together, thereby forming a composite material. An electrically conductive layer is deposited on the composite material, forming a conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Fenner U.S., Inc.
    Inventor: Jeremy M. Bigler
  • Publication number: 20110114456
    Abstract: A transport device for conveying printed products. The transport device includes a conveying chain. The conveying chain includes at least two functional units arranged sequentially along a conveying section and connected to each other by a connecting element. Each functional unit includes a first chain link and a second chain link. The first and second chain links are operatively connected to one another and differing in their respective functions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: Mueller Martini Holding AG
    Inventors: Jean-Claude Oppliger, Michael Landolt, Tony Kluser
  • Publication number: 20110108476
    Abstract: A water screen or conveyor belt module includes one or more projections in its top surface for increasing the surface area of the top surface. Each projection includes fluid flow openings that provide a pathway for liquid to drain or fluid to flow between the top and bottom of the module. The fluid flow openings may comprise slots extending in the lengthwise direction of the module and extending into the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: LAITRAM, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Gilbert J. MacLachlan
  • Publication number: 20110094860
    Abstract: A conveyor (10) includes at least one endless conveying device (20) having a conveying section (22) having a conveying surface (21), on which conveyed goods (11) can be conveyed. The conveying device (20) are held on a frame (12) using at least two deflection rollers (40), thereby enabling it to circulate endlessly. A driving wheel (51) with a rotary axle (52) is coupled to the conveying device (20) such that the former can be set into a rotational motion by the latter. The rotary axle (52) of the driving wheel (51) is coupled to the damping device (50) such that vibrations in the rotation of the conveying device (20) can be damped. The rotary axle (52) of the driving wheel (51) is supported on the frame (12) such that it can move with translatory motion. The damping device (50) can dampen a translatory motion of the rotary axle (52).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventors: Oliver Lenord, Yongbo Chen