Links Having Interfitted Ends Patents (Class 198/853)
  • Patent number: 8356708
    Abstract: Modular belt link of the type having a leading and trailing edge and a top surface there between, and two side surfaces at right angles to the leading and trailing edges, and a lower carrying surface and furthermore provided with a plurality of eye parts for hingedly connecting to adjacent modular belt links, characterised in that the modular belt link is made from a polymer material, and that at least in a side surface a conductive material insert is embedded, such that the conductive material is exposed on the top surface and the side surface, and is part of said top and side surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ammeraal Beltech Modular A/S
    Inventor: Kenneth Westergaard Andersen
  • Patent number: 8356709
    Abstract: A nested end protector link for capturing first and second elongate link pins of a multi-link conveyor chain that includes a first link segment having an outer wall in a first vertical plane defining a protective bearing surface having a forward-facing convex face, and a rearward-facing concave face and a first pin access bore extending perpendicularly through the link between the forward-facing convex face and the rearward-facing concave face. A second link segment is integrally-formed with the first link segment and has an outer wall in a second vertical plane defining a protective bearing surface having a forward-facing concave face. A rearward-facing convex face is provided and has a second pin access bore extending perpendicularly through the link between the forward-facing concave face and the rearward-facing convex face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Ramsey Products Corporation
    Inventors: William Carleton Hall, Charles Stone Stalvey, Thomas Gerald Knolles
  • Patent number: 8342320
    Abstract: A conveyor chain (1), comprising a series of sheet metal chain links (2) which are each provided with a basically rectangular conveying body part (3) and with a hinge assembly (4), which hinge assembly comprises a centrally located hinge loop (7) and comprises a pair of hinge loops (10) spaced apart with an intermediate distance (9) on the opposite longitudinal side of the chain link, wherein the central loop is located in the intermediate space of a successive module (2?), wherein the hinge assembly (4) further comprises two auxiliary hinge loops (12), wherein the cooperating hinge loops of successive modules are connected by means of hinge pins (14), the thickness of the sheet metal of the conveying body part being between approximately 2.0 mm and approximately 2.8 mm, and wherein the diameter of the hinge pin is between approximately 3.0 and 5.0 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Rexnord FlatTop Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Rutger Jansen, Franciscus Maria Bal
  • Patent number: 8322522
    Abstract: A nested end protector link for capturing first and second elongate link pins of a multi-link conveyor chain that includes a first link segment having an outer wall in a first vertical plane defining a protective bearing surface having a forward-facing convex face, and a rearward-facing concave face and a first pin access bore extending perpendicularly through the link between the forward-facing convex face and the rearward-facing concave face. A second link segment is integrally-formed with the first link segment and has an outer wall in a second vertical plane defining a protective bearing surface having a forward-facing concave face. A rearward-facing convex face is provided and has a second pin access bore extending perpendicularly through the link between the forward-facing concave face and the rearward-facing convex face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Ramsey Products Corporation
    Inventors: William Carleton Hall, Charles Stone Stalvey, Thomas Gerald Knolles, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8286787
    Abstract: A chain (30) for a conveyor of an apparatus (10) for accumulating and arranging products or packs (P) into groups, is made loop-closed by means of a series of links articulated to each other through connection of pins (32) connected by plates (33), each link is provided with a driving portion (34) and a drawing portion (35) of sliding blocks (50) provided for accommodating the products or packs (P), such drawing portion (35) is provided with guide plates (37, 37?) of the sliding blocks (50).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: CT PACK S.r.l.
    Inventors: Danielle Davi, David Rosignoli
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8167118
    Abstract: A conveyor, a conveyor belt used in the conveyor, and a belt module used to construct the conveyor belt, in which the module includes belt rollers that extend outward of a conveyor surface of the modules to support conveyed articles. The belt rollers are mounted in cavities in the modules that open onto the conveying surface and a recessed surface recessed inward of an outermost surface opposite the conveying surface through the thickness of the modules. Bearing surfaces, such as the peripheries of conveyor rollers underlying the conveyor belt along a carryway run, extend into the conveyor belt past the outer surface to contact the belt rollers. As the belt advances, the belt rollers rotate on the bearing surfaces to push conveyed articles along or across the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Matthew L. Fourney
  • 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: 8151978
    Abstract: A modular conveying assembly for reducing backline pressure when accumulating products includes a first roller belt module having a top surface and at least one first roller axle support extending above the top surface. The first axle support includes an opening. A second roller belt module adjacent to the first roller belt module has a top surface and at least one second roller axle support extending above the top surface. The second axle support includes an opening coaxial with the opening formed in the first roller axle support. A roller axle extends through the openings of the first and second axle supports. At least one roller is rotatably supported by the roller axle to reduce friction between the roller belt modules and an object carried along the conveyer belt assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Rexnord Industries, LLC
    Inventors: Dean A. Wieting, Kevin S. Hansen, James C. Stebnicki
  • Publication number: 20120061213
    Abstract: Module, for conveyor presenting connected modules, having upper and lower surfaces, two lateral walls, front and opposing rear walls and, projecting from front wall and rear wall module connecting elements. Connection elements each comb shaped, so one module's elements insertable between next or preceding module elements, and having through holes mutually coaxial for receiving transverse pin for removably connecting at least two modules. Each module has element blocking pin longitudinal movements including locking element removably insertable into seat in module. Seat communicates with through holes and extends from module upper to lower surface. In positions corresponding with each surface an aperture for inserting or removing locking element into or from seat. Locking element elastically deformable portion, only if deformed, enabling inserting and snap-retaining locking element in seat, preventing pin longitudinal movements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: SYSTEM PLAST S.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrea MEMOLI, Ted VAN DER HOEVEN
  • Publication number: 20120061209
    Abstract: A module for forming a conveyor, particularly a band conveyor, presenting a plurality of modules connected together, each module including: an upper surface, a lower surface, conventional elements for removably connecting the modules together to form the conveyor, and connection element for removably connecting additional members, particularly a thrust bar, to the upper surface; in which the connection element includes, on the exposed face of the upper surface of the module, at least one predefined identification mark, the module presenting, below the upper surface in a position corresponding with the at least one predefined mark, at least one connection element extending from and closed by the upper surface and provided with, or in which there can be provided, a seat or hole adapted to cooperate with means, to removably connect the additional member to the upper surface of the module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: SYSTEM PLAST S.r.l.
    Inventors: Andrea MEMOLI, Ted Van Der Hoeven
  • Publication number: 20120037480
    Abstract: A conveyor belt includes a number of coupling elements, each having two links which are present on either side of a coupling element and which are each coupled to a link of an adjacent coupling element; a pin which extends between the two coupling elements and is connected to each of the two links; such that two mutually adjacent coupling elements can be moved out of the main plane and are mutually rotatable in the main plane. The conveyor belt has the feature that at least the most outward lying leg of a link has a third hole; the pin is inserted with its free end into the third hole of the link or a link of an adjacent coupling element; and the pin is substantially fixed relative to each link on the sides of the conveyor belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2009
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: FRANS BAKKER BEHEER B.V.
    Inventors: Hennie Hermanus Jozef Meulenkamp, Frans Bakker Beheer B.V.
  • 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: 20120031739
    Abstract: Conveyor belts are made from modular links having offset forward and rearward projecting eye parts to intercalate eye parts from one belt link between eye parts with oval lateral apertures. Connecting rods inserted through aligned apertures hingedly connect adjacent links. Clips restrict lateral turning of the belt links. Clips have general U-shapes with two legs, a bridge portion end, and opposite free ends. Projecting members at the free ends have lengths parallel to the legs and smaller than the lengths of the apertures in the belt links in which the clip is to be installed, and have heights equivalent to or smaller than the heights of the aperture in the belt link in which the clip is to be installed. The lateral distance between the two legs of the U, is larger than the lateral extent of an eye part in the belt link in which the clip is installed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventor: Germ Buter
  • Patent number: 8109384
    Abstract: A spacing conveyor having article-accelerating rollers and selectively retractable stops to control the gaps between consecutive conveyed packages. A sensor measures the length of a package being fed onto the spacing conveyor. A controller selectively actuates one or more actuators positioned along the length of the conveyor to move selected stops advancing with the conveyor from a retracted position to a blocking position to receive packages a variety of sizes and to control the gaps between consecutive packages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Eric M. Pressler, Mark Costanzo
  • Publication number: 20120018281
    Abstract: A product support surface for a conveyor belt includes a pair of side links spaced apart by a rod connected therebetween; and a longitudinal member attached to the rod between the pair of side links, the longitudinal member having a surface to support a product thereon during a conveying mode and to be pivoted with respect to the pair of side links during a cleaning mode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen A. McCormick, Robert Muscato, Michael D. Newman
  • Patent number: 8083053
    Abstract: A conveyor belt for following a conveyance path with straight and curved conveyance path sections is constructed of module rows of a module (10) or a plurality of modules situated side by side in the transverse direction of the conveyor belt. Adjacent module rows are connected to each other by means of connecting pins (42). Each module comprises a set (15) of first aligned spaced fingers (16) with transverse aperture (40), and also a set (19) of second aligned spaced fingers (20) with transverse aperture (44), which in general are disposed in a staggered position relative to the first fingers (16). The mutual distance between at least the three outermost fingers of a set situated side by side and having the same width in a set is greater than the mutual distance between fingers situated side by side at a distance from the abovementioned at least three outermost fingers. A shorter run-in length and run-out length of a curved conveyance section of the conveyance path is achieved in this way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: Ammeraal Beltech B.V.
    Inventors: Jacobus Gerardus Maria Paardekooper, Germ Buter
  • 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
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20110278138
    Abstract: A modular plastic conveyor belt that is useful in accommodating hinge rods that tend to lengthen during use and an edge module for constructing such a belt. An edge portion of the edge module has an elongated link end that provides an unimpeded growth path for a hinge rod within the confines of the belt. The edge portion of one edge module is hooked to the edge portion of an adjacent edge module by a pivot that is pivotally received in a mating receptacle on the adjacent module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: LAITRAM, L.L.C.
    Inventors: David C. Weiser, Gilbert J. MacLachlan
  • Patent number: 8047356
    Abstract: A belt module having an intermediate section including a cross rib having a corrugated portion. The intermediate section also has a web extending along the length of the intermediate section and disposed adjacent to the cross rib. The module has a first and a second plurality of link ends extending outward from the intermediate section and having a transverse opening defined therein. The link ends are formed by a pair of spaced apart link members that are connected by a end portion. The link ends have a slot or opening defined therein from the top to the bottom of the module. The slot is bordered by the inside walls of the link members. The corrugated portion of the cross rib has a reach bar portion extending between first and second link ends and has a border portion disposed adjacent to the slot formed in the link ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventor: Dietmar Elsner
  • Publication number: 20110253509
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor belt comprising: a plurality of substantially parallel metal rods, a plurality of metal links interconnecting the rods, a plurality of plastic deck elements, each having two parallel longitudinal holes and having a support surface, wherein the parallel metal rods extend through the longitudinal holes and wherein the links are arranged on each end of the rods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: Ashworth Bros., Inc.
    Inventor: Willem van Faassen
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8028825
    Abstract: Handling device of the present invention includes spaced-out transverse bars connected through their ends to endless lateral drive chains made of links. The chains include a series of flexible links connected through bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Pellenc (Societe Anonyme)
    Inventors: Roger Pellenc, Jean-Marc Gialis
  • Patent number: 8028823
    Abstract: A detachable stacked attachment for a modular conveyor belt. An attachment, for example, a bucket, comprises a group of components arranged side by side in an aligned stack of parallel layers. Interior components are sandwiched between outermost and end components. The number and widths of the components in the stack define the width of the resulting stack attachment. In this way, an attachment of selected width may be attached to a conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Gilbert J. MacLachlan
  • Publication number: 20110226593
    Abstract: A nested end protector link for capturing first and second elongate link pins of a multi-link conveyor chain that includes a first link segment having an outer wall in a first vertical plane defining a protective bearing surface having a forward-facing convex face, and a rearward-facing concave face and a first pin access bore extending perpendicularly through the link between the forward-facing convex face and the rearward-facing concave face. A second link segment is integrally-formed with the first link segment and has an outer wall in a second vertical plane defining a protective bearing surface having a forward-facing concave face. A rearward-facing convex face is provided and has a second pin access bore extending perpendicularly through the link between the forward-facing concave face and the rearward-facing convex face.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: Ramsey Products Corporation
    Inventors: William Carleton Hall, Charles Stone Stalvey, Thomas Gerald Knolles, JR.
  • 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: 8016100
    Abstract: A conveyor, comprising a modular conveyor mat (2) driven by sprocket wheels (19), wherein the conveyor mat is driven by the sprocket wheel on the hinge pins (9). The modular conveyor mat comprises a number of modules (1) successive in conveying direction, which are each provided with a body part extending transversely to the conveying direction and having rows of hinge loops (6) reaching forward and rearward in the conveying direction, wherein the hinge loops of successive modules cooperate and are coupled using hinge pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Rexnord Flattop Europe B.V.
    Inventors: Leonardus Adrianus Catharinus Cornelissen, Gijsbertus Johannes Verduijn
  • Patent number: 8016103
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chain-transport system containing chain links (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, . . . ) which are strung together and adjacent chain links (10-20, 20-30, 30-40, 40-50, . . . ) being rotatably joined together about an axis of rotation (11, 21, 31, 41, 51) common to one of the two chain links and all of the axes of rotation (11, 21, 31, 41, 51, . . . ) in the chain-transport system running parallel to each other. At least some of the chain links (10, 50, 90, . . . ) are adapted (10-12, 50-52, 90-92, . . . ) in such a way that respectively one add-on component (13, 53, 93) can be attached thereto. According to the invention, attachment of the respective component (13, 53, 93, . . . ) to the respective adapted chain link (10-12, 50-52, 90-92, . . . ) occurs in the form of a positive fit connection between a connecting area (13a, 13b, 13c, . . . ) of the add-on component (13, . . . ) and a connecting area (12a, 12b, 12c, . . . ) of the adapted chain link (10-12, . . . ).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Buhler Bindler GmbH
    Inventor: Achim Krischer
  • Patent number: 7997404
    Abstract: A series of rows of belt modules wherein a first one of the rows may have a plurality of hinge elements along an end of the first row. A second one of the rows may have a plurality of hinge elements along an end of the second row. The plurality of hinge elements of the first row may be interleaved with the plurality of hinge elements of the second row. A pivot rod may extend through the plurality of hinge elements of both the first row and the second row so as to pivotally join the first row to the second row. A sphere may be supported from a first module of the first row and supported from a second module of the first row, so that the sphere resides between the first module and the second module and so that the sphere extends above the modules in order to allow an object, which is to be conveyed by the conveyor belt, to be supported on the sphere. The modules may be moved in a belt travel direction in order to convey the object from a first location to a second location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventors: Michal Krisl, Dieter Guldenfels
  • 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: 7971706
    Abstract: A conveyor having conveyor chain 100 adapted to be engaged and driven by drums 180 and 190 having spiral flights. The conveyor chain has a number of interconnected conveying modules 120, 140, 150 and 160. Selected modules 120 are aligned in the direction of travel parallel to the axis of rotation of the drums. Each of the aligned modules has a traveling guide socket 122 on the back surface, which engages with flight portions 180a and 190a of the spiral drums, so that the chain is advanced by the rotation of the drums. The modules are rectangular and are interconnected in columns and rows, preferably in a brick pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Hajime Ozaki, Katsutoshi Shibayama, Satoshi Hotchi, Tsuyoshi Nakamura, Fukukazu Kato
  • 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
  • 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: 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: 20110100785
    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: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventor: Hajime Ozaki
  • Publication number: 20110100784
    Abstract: A pivot rod that is formed by overmolding the end of a grooved rod with a plastic head. The pivot rod may be formed out of shear resistant materials such as steel or the like. Alternatively, a headed rod may be formed by overmolding a highly shear resistant, reinforced extruded plastic rod with a plastic ring or head of a moldable compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Ramaswamy Prakasam, Sellappa Gounder Shanmugasundaram
  • Patent number: 7931139
    Abstract: A pasteurizer with a conveyor belt for transporting the goods to be pasteurized, the conveyor belt having an endless structure 39 comprising several metal bodies 13, 22, and several plastic pieces 30 forming the conveyor surface 38 being coupled to the structure 39. Also, a conveyor belt, in particular for a pasteurizer, comprising an endless structure having several metal bodies, with several plastic pieces 30 forming the conveyor surface 38 being coupled to the structure 39. Also, a conveyor belt, in particular for a pasteurizer, the conveyor belt 3 comprising several identical modules 29 in the longitudinal as well as in the transverse direction, each module 29 having several identical bodies in the longitudinal as well as in the transverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Sander Hansen A/S
    Inventor: Jorgen T. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 7896766
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a side bow conveyor chain whose respective chain links are interconnected by a chain hinge which is adapted to be pivoted about a first and a second axis, said chain hinge comprising a pivot bolt which is arranged along said first axis, a pivot pin which is arranged along said second axis and through which the pivot bolt extends, and a reception sleeve, which extends along the second axis and in which the pivot pin is pivotable relative to the reception sleeve about said second axis. The reception sleeve is provided with lateral pivot openings which allow the pivot bolt to pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: iwis antriebssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Mitzschke, Wolfgang Janzen, Jens Sumpf, Sven Eichhorn, Klaus Nendel
  • Patent number: 7891481
    Abstract: A conveyor belt and a method for providing a conveyor belt with rollers that rotate on axes oblique to the direction of belt travel. Axles are mounted on rods extending perpendicular to direction of belt travel. The axles have cylindrical outer bearing surfaces that define a central axis that is oblique to the direction of belt travel when mounted on the rods. Rollers mounted on the axles rotate on the outer bearing surfaces in a direction oblique to the direction of belt travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Eric M. Pressler, Matthew L. Fourney
  • 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: 7854315
    Abstract: A conveyor support plate includes an upper transport surface configured to receive objects arranged for travel on a conveyor system and a lower surface arranged opposite the upper transport surface. A pair of transversely extending walls and a pair of side walls connect the upper transport surface and the lower surface. A plurality of cavities are formed in the lower surface between the pair of transversely extending walls and the pair of side walls that terminate below the upper transport surface. The cavities are configured to receive a roller that extends through the lower surface to support the support plate during travel on the convey system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2010
    Assignee: Roxnord Industries, LLC
    Inventors: James C. Stebnicki, Robert E. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 7850001
    Abstract: A modular conveyor belt having longitudinal grooves on the top and bottom of the belt. Pairs of rollers are installed between the links within these grooves such that the rollers do not project over the surface of the belt but are completely integrated into the body. The rollers may be installed directly onto the pivot rods. The belts are supported by rails that enter into the longitudinal grooves to engage with the rollers to carry the belt as it moves. The grooves on the bottom side of the single modules are curved in such a way that the slots form a circle when the belt moves around a sprocket. This configuration allows for steel disks to be installed between the sprockets on the driving and idling shaft. The disks help to support the belt and to improve smooth running of the belts around the sprocket under a high load by taking the radial forces acting when the belt is under high tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventor: Michal Krisl
  • Publication number: 20100307892
    Abstract: A radius belt module suitable for large radius applications such as for spiral conveyors. The module has having an intermediate section including a cross rib having a corrugated portion extending along at least a portion of the length of the intermediate section. The intermediate section also has a web extending along the length of the intermediate section and disposed adjacent to the cross rib. The module has a first plurality of link ends extending outward from the intermediate section and having a transverse opening defined therein. The link ends are formed by a pair of spaced apart link members that are connected by a end portion. The link ends have a slot or opening defined therein from the top to the bottom of the module. The slot is bordered by the inside walls of the link members. The module also has a second plurality of link ends extending outward from the intermediate section in a direction opposite the first link ends. The second link ends have a transverse opening with an elongated shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Applicant: Habasit AG
    Inventor: Dietmar Elsner
  • Patent number: 7837028
    Abstract: A radius chain conveyor structure and method for traveling along curved paths in both left and right directions and having the capability to carry very small and delicate articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventor: Dietmar Elsner
  • Patent number: 7837029
    Abstract: A connector for connecting modular conveyor links to form a belt includes a rod-like core and a powder coating forming a protective shell. The core may be stainless steel and the powder coating may be nylon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Span Tech LLC
    Inventor: Mark D. Russell
  • Patent number: 7828136
    Abstract: A conveyor is described comprising an endless side-flexing conveyor belt made from a number of rows of hinged interconnected belt links, where each row comprises at least one link, where each link has a front end, a back end, a top surface, a bottom surface and two sides, where hinge parts separated by apertures are arranged along the front end and the back end such that front hinge parts on the front end will fit inside apertures on the back end of an adjacent belt link, and where the front end and back end are substantially parallel to a first axis parallel to the width direction of the link, wherein the hinge parts of each link are defined by a top and bottom that are substantially flush with the top and bottom surfaces respectively, and two side surfaces and a free front surface, and that at least some of the front hinge parts are provided with a protrusion on one or both side surfaces, where these protrusions fit inside elongated apertures provided in the side surfaces of the rear hinge parts on the oppo
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: Uni-Chains A/S
    Inventor: Poul Erik Damkjaer
  • Publication number: 20100258410
    Abstract: A module for a modular conveyor belt includes a flexible retainer for retaining a hinge rod in a bore of the module. A stopper limits the bending movement of the retainer and supports the midportion of the retainer to prevent stresses generated in the retainer from exceeding its design stress.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: LAITRAM, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Philip J. Wunsch
  • Patent number: 7802676
    Abstract: A belt module having a grid geometry including cavities and ribs associated with an outer surface for attaching a high friction material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventors: Dieter Guldenfels, Dietmar Elsner
  • Patent number: RE42361
    Abstract: A plastic conveyor belt module with a unitary sideguard. The sideguard extends upward perpendicularly from the top conveying surface of a plastic module body. The sideguard extends longitudinally along the conveying surface with a leading edge laterally offset from a trailing edge. Wedge-shaped indentations formed at the leading and trailing edges allow the sideguards of leading and trailing belt modules in a conveyor belt to mesh and to overlap without interference as the belt backflexes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Andrew A. Corley