Conveyor Frame Or Casing Patents (Class 198/860.1)
  • Patent number: 11679938
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for conveying products, which is intended for a production and processing line for these products and comprises at least one movable element in the form of a conveyor belt or link chain and a fixed support for the movable element, the support being in the form of at least one slider, the slider supporting the movable element in contact with at least one wear surface located on said slider, characterized in that at least one slider has, under the wear surface, at least one underlying layer, the underlying layer consisting of a material with a different appearance to the appearance of the material of the wear surface. The invention further relates to a slider for such a conveying device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: SIDEL CANADA INC.
    Inventor: Alex Adam
  • Patent number: 11518632
    Abstract: A dust capture and reclamation system for a rubber conveyor belt having a housing for mounting over a portion of the rubber conveyor belt, a plurality of idler roller assemblies, a plurality of return roller assemblies, a trough for mounting under the rubber conveyor belt to catch granular material falling from the rubber conveyor belt, the trough having an inside surface, a mechanism for moving granular material along the inside surface to a collection point, a first access panel through one side for accessing an idler roller, and a second access panel through one of the pair of opposed side walls for accessing a return roller assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Benetech, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Pircon, Robert Huskisson, Diego Arrivabene, Kevin T. Jasin
  • Patent number: 10954070
    Abstract: A conveyor is described. The conveyor includes a conveyor frame that includes a slot defined on a first portion of the conveyor frame and a notch defined on a second portion of the conveyor frame. Further, the conveyor includes a stanchion configured to be mounted on the conveyor frame. In this regard, the stanchion comprises a hook adapted to pass through the slot of the conveyor frame and a surface that defines an aperture, the aperture adapted to enable a bolt to pass through the stanchion and insert into the notch in the second portion of the conveyor frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Intelligrated Headquarters, LLC
    Inventors: Timothy A. Koeninger, Eric Roth
  • Patent number: 10899546
    Abstract: A conveyor module (1), adapted to be releasably attached to at least one other conveyor module (1) to form a conveyor assembly (15). Each conveyor module (1) includes a substantially longitudinal main frame (4), said main frame (4) being adjustable in between a first position (FIG. 3), in which said module (1) is compacted for transportation, and, a second position (FIG. 4), in which said module (1) is expanded for conveyor operation. A plurality of support legs (17) is provided to support said conveyor module (1) upon a substrate surface, each support leg being adjustable to facilitate adjustable alignment of said module (1). Conveyor componentry (12) is housed substantially within said main frame (1). The conveyor module (1) is preferably formed from or built to standardised shipping container (ISO) specifications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: NEPEAN CONVEYORS PTY LTD
    Inventors: Bill Munday, Tony Perram, David Novak, Dean Franklin
  • Patent number: 10602629
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a protective housing for a control unit. The protective housing includes at least one resizable cover element having at least two cover plates that are displaceable relative to one another and define a first cover area for protecting at least a first side of the control unit, and a displacement device suitable for displacing the at least two cover plates of the resizable cover element relative to one another so that the first cover area is changed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Robl, Michael Dieterich
  • Patent number: 10131388
    Abstract: A modular vehicle assembly system and methods for increased flexibility and adaptability of a high volume assembly facility which builds several vehicle models. In one example, the invention includes modular assembly equipment (AE) support pallets which are shipped to vendors for installation of selected AE equipment devices that are specific to a predetermined assembly operation and then validation tested prior to shipment. The modular AE pallets and AE devices are quickly installed and easily removable for maintenance or replacement. In other examples, modular AE support platforms and safety fencing are used to support ground level assembly operation and safer working environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: Comau LLC
    Inventor: Velibor Kilibarda
  • Patent number: 9527672
    Abstract: A cleanable belt conveyor and a method for making a cleanable belt conveyor having a simplified frame design. The conveyor includes at least one toolbar and one or more auxiliary components mounted to the toolbar using a snap clamp having a protrusion that mates with a channel on the toolbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Jeff Batchelder, Michael Hendrik DeGroot, Friso Antonius Maria Oonk, Laurentius G. J. Wolters, James R. Honeycutt, Jr., Edward T. Mol, Angela Longo Marshall, Gilbert J. MacLachlan, Joseph M. DePaso, Timothy J. DeRoche
  • Patent number: 9238550
    Abstract: Conveyor beam for a conveyor system, comprising a plurality of connector elements and at least two conveyor beam elements, where the connector element comprises a central portion, two outer portions and two peripherally grooves extending peripherally around the connector element between the central portion and the outer portions, where the connector element is provided with a first inserting position in which the connector element is inserted between two conveyor beam elements with the first outer portion positioned in a channel of a first conveyor beam element and the second outer portion positioned in a channel of a second conveyor beam elements, and a second arresting position, in which the connector element locks the conveyor beam elements together to form the conveyor beam. The advantage of the invention is that a conveyor beam of any desired shape can be obtained in an easy and fast way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: FlexLink AB
    Inventors: Magnus Askerdal, Marko Salmi
  • Patent number: 9096382
    Abstract: A cover and frame assembly for a discharge end of a belt conveyor, the assembly including: a stationary frame supporting the discharge end and including sides extending beyond the discharge end; a cover having a top, opposite side walls extending down from the top and an end face extending between the side walls and down from the top; a rim along each of the side walls, wherein each the rim seats on an upper edge of one of the sides of the stationary frame, while the cover is closed over the discharge end, and a roller on each upper edge of the sides of the stationary frame, wherein each roller extends above the upper edge and seats in a hole or pit in the rim seated on the upper edge while the cover is closed, wherein the rim of each side wall slides over the corresponding roller as the cover is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: Andritz OY
    Inventors: Iiro Laaksonen, Jaakko Pitkakangas, Ari Hannimaki, Jari Sorvisto
  • Publication number: 20150136571
    Abstract: Conveyor beam for a conveyor system, comprising a plurality of connector elements and at least two conveyor beam elements, where the connector element comprises a central portion, two outer portions and two peripherally grooves extending peripherally around the connector element between the central portion and the outer portions, where the connector element is provided with a first inserting position in which the connector element is inserted between two conveyor beam elements with the first outer portion positioned in a channel of a first conveyor beam element and the second outer portion positioned in a channel of a second conveyor beam elements, and a second arresting position, in which the connector element locks the conveyor beam elements together to form the conveyor beam. The advantage of the invention is that a conveyor beam of any desired shape can be obtained in an easy and fast way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Magnus Askerdal, Marko Salmi
  • Publication number: 20150114803
    Abstract: A frame (1, 101, 201) supports a conveyor belt system with a longitudinally circulating conveyor belt. Two plate-like carrier elements (2, 102), with principal planes extending at right angles to the longitudinal direction (L) are joined by at least two distance elements (4, 4?), disposed parallel to the longitudinal direction (L). The distance elements space the two carrier elements apart. A plurality of support elements (5) and machine feet (21) support the frame on the ground. At least one of the carrier elements defines a seating area (3), which is largely arranged horizontally. At least two first mechanical interface elements (6) run parallel to the distance elements, preferably extending over the carrier elements, and are fixed on the seating areas of the carrier elements. The frame also has at least two fixing elements (7), by which the first mechanical interface elements (6) are fixed to the seating areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: Mario Meyer, Dirk Bettels, Axel Preussner, Michael Kusche, Frank Hamann
  • Patent number: 8985317
    Abstract: A bay for a belt conveyor structure, the bay includes a transverse support stand having a first part that is positionable adjacent one longitudinal edge of the belt. The transverse support stand also includes a second part that is positionable adjacent the other longitudinal edge of the belt. A third part of the transverse support stand spans between the first part and the second part. The bay also includes a stringer having a proximal end removeably attachable to the stand and a distal end which is for engagement with a subsequent bay. The proximal end of the stringer is attachable to the first part of the stand at at least two spaced apart locations. The proximal end of the stringer is also attachable to the third part of the stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Inventor: Andrew Jon Martin
  • Patent number: 8960419
    Abstract: A conveyor belt box check for installation in a mine is disclosed. The box check includes first and second generally parallel spaced-apart walls extending across a mine passage. Each of the walls has a conveyor belt aperture sized for receiving the conveyor. In some embodiments, access doors are provided in the first and second walls, and a partition extends between the first and second walls for separating the access doors from the conveyor belt apertures and for forming an air lock between the walls. A method of installing the box check is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: Kennedy Metal Products & Buildings, Inc.
    Inventors: William R. Kennedy, John M. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 8950568
    Abstract: A support (1), module (101, 201) to be placed on the support, transport system is for displacement of people/goods modernized with the module and modernization method of transport systems is for displacement of people/goods. The support (1) has fixings (11) to fix the support (1) to a bearing structure (10) of the transport system, horizontal tie plates (12) to support and horizontally place the module (101, 201), lateral tie plates (13) to support and laterally place the module (101, 201), longitudinal tie plates (14) to support and longitudinally place the module (101, 201). The module has positioning and verification equipment (101A, 201A, 301A) to place the module (101, 201, 301) maintaining within tolerances the system lines of the transport system. The transport system has a support (1) and an entrance (101)/exit (201)/central (301) module on an entrance (100)/exit (200) finished floor/in a central section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Thyssenkrupp Norte, S.A.
    Inventors: Jose Casielles Estrada, Juan Antonio Fernandez Fidalgo, Abdón Muñiz Camblor
  • Patent number: 8925718
    Abstract: A modular support system has individual frame modules each of which is formed by a series of standardized components that are secured together to form a generally elongate support structure for various uses, in particular a support structure for a conveyor. A truss frame module and a channel frame module are disclosed wherein both of the frame modules include a pair of elongate side frame members that are laterally spaced-apart and generally parallel, these frame members being secured together by a series of laterally-extending and transverse frame members. Specialized connectors attach to the ends of the laterally-extending and transverse frame members, which in turn are secured to the frame members. The components of each of the frame modules are substantially identical to the other so that they can be inverted or reversed without affecting assembly of the frame. The side frame members are made by profile cutting and roll forming an elongate metal plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Engineeringology Inc.
    Inventors: William Keith Miles, Kamalakar Gutta, Michael John Garbaty, Douglas James Wilson
  • Patent number: 8919541
    Abstract: A belt conveyor apparatus includes a conveyor frame with a belt support, a belt, a belt drive, and containment side members releasably attached to the conveyor frame. Specifically, a linear first slot and arcuate second slot on the conveyor frame engage permanently-attached first and second studs on the containment side members to allow rotational assembly of the containment side member to the conveyor frame. The path of engagement prevents the studs from being removed simultaneously from respective slots. As a result, the first and second studs will wedgingly bind and thus cannot be simultaneously pulled out of the first and second slots when the containment side member is biased toward a release direction. Related methods are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Dynamic Conveyor Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew A. Zehr, Paul A. Kuharevicz
  • Patent number: 8899410
    Abstract: A conveyor underguard that is adapted for use with a conveyor having a pair of spaced apart side channels, each having a lower flange and a plurality of openings on each flange, includes a guard surface and a pair of mounting members, each extending outwardly generally parallel to the guard surface and defining fastener openings. The fastener openings are spaced apart in a manner that aligns with the through-openings of the conveyor. A pair of side members connect the guard surface with the mounting members in a manner that offsets the guard surface from the mounting members away from each flange. The conveyor underguard is defined by a polymeric material body having a planar body pan integrally connected to opposed first and second side walls and to first and second end walls. A first side flange is integrally connected to the first side wall and extends for an entire length of the first side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Dematic Corp.
    Inventors: Matthew T. Brayman, Samuel A. Sheffer, Percy Vreeken, Nick Pomante, Randy Eschenburg, Timothy J. Nixon
  • Patent number: 8899405
    Abstract: An assembly work conveyor device has a work dolly and a movement driver. The work dolly includes a moving dolly including a plurality of moving portions movable on a movement surface and being movable along an elliptical movement path, and a work board mounted on the moving dolly in a state of extending further to an inner peripheral side of the elliptical movement path than the plurality of moving portions. The movement driver moves the work dolly along the elliptical movement path. An auxiliary support surface is provided on the inner peripheral side of the elliptical movement path along at least a portion thereof. An auxiliary support is provided in the work dolly, the auxiliary support being brought into contact with the auxiliary support surface further on the inner peripheral side of the elliptical movement path than the plurality of moving portions and supporting a gravity of the work board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masashi Ookubo
  • Patent number: 8869687
    Abstract: A food processing apparatus has a frame assembly in which frame members are joined using adhesive, such as an epoxy. The frame members are comprised of stainless steel and the adhesive is applied so that exterior surfaces of the stainless steel frame members are free of any adhesive residue. Adhesive may be used to join exterior frame members as well as interior frame members, such as those used to support mechanical components of the processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: CP Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond G. Buchko, Dwayne C. Long
  • Patent number: 8863942
    Abstract: A conveyor and a dowel assembly. The dowel assembly may generally include a dowel body positioned between the frame and the housing and a seal arrangement. The seal arrangement may include an end seal member engageable with the end wall of the recess, and a side seal member engageable with the side wall of the recess, and a carrier member supported by the dowel body and supporting one of the end seal member and the side seal member, the carrier member being supported for movement relative to the dowel body to provide engagement of the one of the end seal member and the side seal member with the associated one of the end wall and the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon Powell
  • Patent number: 8851277
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a conveyor system (2) comprising a support frame (4) and an endless carrier chain (6) arranged horizontally thereon and defining an upper part (6a) and a lower part (6b); the carrier chain thereby having an inner side (12) and an outer side (14); wherein the support frame comprises a shielding element (24) in an area (A) defined between the inner side (12a) of the upper part of the carrier chain (6) and the inner side (12b) of the lower part of the carrier chain (6); wherein the shielding element (24) itself, or in combination with the first main support element (16) and/or the second main support element (18) having an extension that blocks a direct access between any point P1 located on the inner side (12a) of the upper part of the carrier chain (6) and a corresponding point P2 located on the inner side (12b) of the lower part of the carrier chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Flexmove System (M) SDN. BHD.
    Inventors: Jesper Olsen, Steffen Olsen
  • Publication number: 20140251768
    Abstract: A modular support system has individual frame modules each of which is formed by a series of standardized components that are secured together to form a generally elongate support structure for various uses, in particular a support structure for a conveyor. A truss frame module and a channel frame module are disclosed wherein both of the frame modules include a pair of elongate side frame members that are laterally spaced-apart and generally parallel, these frame members being secured together by a series of laterally-extending and transverse frame members. Specialized connectors attach to the ends of the laterally-extending and transverse frame members, which in turn are secured to the frame members. The components of each of the frame modules are substantially identical to the other so that they can be inverted or reversed without affecting assembly of the frame. The side frame members are made by profile cutting and roll forming an elongate metal plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: ENGINEERINGOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: William Keith Miles, Kamalakar Gutta, Michael John Garbaty, Douglas James Wilson
  • Patent number: 8807323
    Abstract: A conveyor includes a frame having first and second spaced frame elements, first and second drive rollers between the frame elements, and a flexible belt mounted between the first and second drive rollers that has a load bearing portion and a return portion, the return portion extending between the first and second frame elements. The conveyor has a first end portion including the first drive roller, a second end portion including the second drive roller and a central portion including a midpoint between the first drive roller and the second drive roller, and the central portion of the conveyor includes a lift-table receiving space between the first drive roller and the second drive roller and between the first frame element and the second frame element, and the return portion of the belt extends between the load bearing portion and the lift-table-receiving space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: A. G. Stacker, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence C. Allen, Jr., Kevin G. Gorby, Eric H. Crowe, Samantha L. J. Armstrong
  • Patent number: 8794429
    Abstract: A pan section for combined conveying and winning apparatuses having a bottom run and a top run for guiding driver elements of a conveyor chain, as well as a welded frame structure which has two side cheeks which consist of one-piece rolled profiles. The rolled profiles have a constant profile shape with a bottom leg and a top leg, which are angled outwards in the assembled state, and an intermediate leg being provided with an offset for supporting and welding at least one intermediate plate. The pan section further includes a substructure connected to the bottom leg of the rolled profiles to connect both bottom legs to one another at a distance from the intermediate bottom. The substructure also has mounting pieces positioned at the ends below the bottom legs for transverse-force transmission means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Frank Fischer, Siegfried Schmidt, Eugen Baier, Jörg Wirtz, Uwe Tillessen
  • Patent number: 8789688
    Abstract: A Support structure (1; 200) for container handling machines, comprising a single-piece assembled table (2; 202) having a first wall (3; 203) provided with a plurality of first support housings (53; 253) and a second wall (4; 204) opposite to said first wall (3; 203) with respect to a plane (P) of reference of said table (2; 202). Said second wall (4; 204) is provided with a plurality of second support housings (54; 254) arranged in a mirror-like manner to said first support housings (53; 253) with respect to said plane (P) of reference, the first and second support housings being alternatively associable to a handling machine or to a floor-standing bearing (5; 155), whereby the support structure (1; 200) can be overturned for defining altered layouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Sidel S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Zoni
  • Patent number: 8770393
    Abstract: A convertible track system for providing additional support to a conveyor belt. The system includes convertible track sections which may be added/removed from the conveyor belt apparatus without disassembly of the existing track supporting structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Tarpaulin.com, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald J. DeGennaro, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8763793
    Abstract: An extruded rail for mounting objects along the length of the rail that include an enclosed receiving and containment cavity. The extruded rail includes a receiving and containment cavity that extends from an inner surface of the rail. The receiving and containment cavity includes upper and lower walls and a back wall that define an enclosed containment area. An alignment notch is formed in the generally planar outer surface of the side rail and aligned with the receiving and containment cavity. When an object is to be attached to the rail, an opening is formed in the side rail at the alignment notch. As material is removed from the side rail during formation of the opening, the received material is entrapped within the receiving and containment cavity. Thus, the extruded rail of the disclosure receives and contains material removed during attachment of an object to the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Dorner
    Inventors: Daniel E. Ertel, Scott M. Hall, Michael A. Hosch
  • Patent number: 8752835
    Abstract: A pillow block supporting a feed roller includes a pillow block main body; a wedge body adjusting a height position of the pillow block main body; and a bracket adjustably installing the pillow block main body in a sheet feeding direction on a mounting surface. Further, the pillow block main body includes a reception part to support the feed roller, a concave part though which the wedge body is inserted, and the bracket is temporarily fixed to the mounting surface. Further, the wedge body pushes up the height position of the pillow block main body upon being inserted into the concave part to determine the position of the reception part so that the reception part supports the feed roller from below.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Ricoh Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Kohji Hashiuchi
  • Patent number: 8672120
    Abstract: The present invention is a wireway for a conveyor system which is integrally molded into the sideguard of the conveyor system. The sidewall, or sideguard, has both an inner wall and an outer wall, and there is an intermediate wall connected to both the inner wall and outer wall. The inner wall, outer wall, and intermediate wall form an upper passage and a lower passage which function as a wireway in which wires are fed through and connect to various components of the conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Glidepath
    Inventors: Gregory L. Wheeler, Marty Buchanan, Robert Carter, Jeremy P. Shepard
  • Patent number: 8646590
    Abstract: In a revolution transport system for manufacturing and assembly lines with work stations arranged along the transport system, workpiece carriers are movably supported on a track formed by horizontally spaced outer and inner carrier and support rails extending around the transport system wherein each workpiece carrier includes a carriage movably supported on the outer rail and upper and lower rollers in engagement with upwardly facing and downwardly fairing surfaces of the intermediate or inner rail to prevent tilting of the workpiece carrier by forces acting on an outwardly projecting workpiece support arm of the workpiece carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Expresso Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Herbert Tepel
  • Patent number: 8640863
    Abstract: A dust and particulate containment system for an open sided gallery conveyor, having a movable curtain for covering the open side of the conveyor and a trough positioned within and extending along a length of the conveyor. A rail is arranged within the conveyor and a carriage, having an opening for transferring bulk materials therethrough via a sealed connection to a cross conveyor, is positioned to move along this rail. Sealing strips in the trough retain the curtain tautly in place and seal the open side of the conveyor. As each carriage moves along the rail, a spreader frame attached to the carriage biasingly opens the sealing strips, and temporarily frees the curtain from being retained, so that the freed curtain is lifted over the carriage to avoid covering the opening in the carriage, so that transfer of bulk materials in the conveyor can occur through the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: EMS—Tech Inc.
    Inventors: Reg Leworthy, Rick Doxtator, Scott Sheridan, Peter Sorensen, George Leverton
  • Patent number: 8607968
    Abstract: A mounting apparatus for a return roller is provided. The mounting apparatus is positioned beneath a return side of a conveyor belt, the return side of the conveyor belt having a near side along one edge of the return side of the conveyor belt and a far side along an opposite edge of the return side of the conveyor belt. The mounting apparatus has a return roller support structure and a return roller supported on the return roller support structure. The return roller support structure is slidable from the mounting apparatus in a direction towards the near side of the return side of the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: ASGCO Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: George T. Mott, Michael B. Heenan, Leroy C. Williams
  • Patent number: 8611790
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus is provided which includes an image forming unit, a main body having a pair of frames, a pair of rollers, a belt which is endless, and a reinforcing member. The frames are disposed to sandwich the image forming unit therebetween. The rollers are spaced apart from each other such that an axial direction of each of the rollers extends in a direction perpendicular to the frames. The belt extends around the rollers. The reinforcing member is disposed in an area enclosed by the belt. One end of the reinforcing member is fixed to one of the frames, and the other end of the reinforcing member is fixed to the other one of the frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Makoto Souda
  • Patent number: 8590697
    Abstract: A belt conveyor assembly comprising a pair of elongate profile frames that are mounted in parallel; a conveyor belt positioned in between the profile frames; and a plurality of auxiliary components removably mounted to outer walls of the profile frames at any position along the length of the profile frames; and wherein the surface of the inner walls of the profile frames are planar over their length and height at least in a region where the conveyor belt is positioned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Pteris Global Limited
    Inventors: Kok Leng Lim, Vijay Tukaram Patil
  • Patent number: 8579105
    Abstract: A conveyor system includes a conveying surface for conveying articles as defined by a plurality of rollers and a frame. Each of the rollers has an axle. The frame is made up of at least two frame members that are spaced apart a distance that corresponds with a length of at least one of the plurality of rollers. A plurality of axle retainers is connected with at least one of the frame members. Each of the axle retainers has a base and a plurality of axle retaining openings that are each adapted to receiving an axle at an end of one of the rollers. At least two of the openings are fixedly at different angles to the base. In this manner, the axle retainers are capable of mounting the rollers at more than one angle with respect to the at least one of the frame members as determined by which of the axle-retaining openings receives the axle. Each roller-mounting angle corresponds to a different orientation of the base with respect to the at least one of the frame members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Dematic Corp.
    Inventors: Floyd W. Butler, Paul L. Wetters, Paul Kreys, Kenneth J. Kooistra, Dennis J. Schuitema
  • Patent number: 8573379
    Abstract: An article feed insert for an article feed system for automatic conveyance of articles located along the article feed insert in one conveyance direction B to a visual edge of a shelf equipped with the article feed system with the following features: a set of conveying rollers which are supported on the roller carrier transversely to the conveyance direction B, two profile rails which can be attached independently of one another to the opposite sides of the roller carrier for fixing of the conveying rollers on the roller carrier, a first fixing element which can be attached to one visible edges of the roller carrier for fixing the profile rails, and a second fixing element which can be attached opposite the first fixing element to the roller carrier for fixing the profile rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Dirk A. Brugmann Kunststoff-Verarbeitung GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Lars Alexander Brügmann
  • Publication number: 20130284215
    Abstract: In one aspect, a substrate cleaning system is provided. The substrate cleaning system includes a plurality of cleaning modules; a conveyor for transporting a substrate between the cleaning modules; and a partition assembly that isolates the cleaning modules from the conveyor. Apparatus and methods for isolating CMP cleaning modules from a conveyor are provided, as are numerous other aspects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Andrew Liu, Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 8562241
    Abstract: An attachment system for securing conveyor components to a conveyor disposed between a pair of side guards. The side guards are U-shaped and have first and second side guard ends that extend perpendicularly from the opposite ends of a flat wall portion to a distal end. The first side guard end includes a first lip that defines a grooved portion. At least one framing channel extending between flat first and second channel ends is disposed between the first and second side guard ends. The first channel end includes a projection portion that extends from the first channel end to engage to the grooved portion to secure the first channel end adjacent the first side guard end. At least one tab extends outwardly from the second channel end to engage an end guard opening defined in the second side guard end to secure the framing channel to the side guard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Jervis B. Webb Company
    Inventors: Daniel J. Klepack, Donald LeCroy
  • Publication number: 20130241142
    Abstract: A pillow block supporting a feed roller includes a pillow block main body; a wedge body adjusting a height position of the pillow block main body; and a bracket adjustably installing the pillow block main body in a sheet feeding direction on a mounting surface. Further, the pillow block main body includes a reception part to support the feed roller, a concave part though which the wedge body is inserted, and the bracket is temporarily fixed to the mounting surface. Further, the wedge body pushes up the height position of the pillow block main body upon being inserted into the concave part to determine the position of the reception part so that the reception part supports the feed roller from below.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: RICOH COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Kohji Hashiuchi
  • Patent number: 8534456
    Abstract: A conveyor device 2 for analyzer includes: a conveyance tracks 20A and 20B capable of conveying a specimen rack 3 along a fixed path; and a frame 21 positioned around the conveyance tracks 20A and 20B, the frame 21 being provided with separable and removable portions 24A and 24B which are separable and removable from the frame 21 and which are capable of providing the frame 21 with cutouts in open condition when separated and removed from the frame 21. When the frame 21 is provided with the cutouts in open condition, the cutouts allows the specimen rack 3 to be introduced onto and discharged from the conveyance tracks 20A and 20B from outer lateral sides of the frame 21 through the cutouts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc.
    Inventors: Masahiro Kimura, Kazuhiko Okuda, Masayuki Kubo
  • Patent number: 8500084
    Abstract: A module (4) in a support structure (5) for container handling machines (2), comprises a connecting bar (6) provided with bearing expansions (7) at its ends, each of the bearing expansions (7) being detachably connectable with a corresponding bearing expansion of another module in such a way as to define a support (8) for a star wheel conveyor (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Sidel S.p.A.
    Inventors: Emilio Cavazzini Gainotti, Annalisa Malfatto
  • Publication number: 20130153374
    Abstract: A suspending device for a rail, in particular a rail of an overhead conveyor or lifting gear, with a tensile element, which comprises a threaded rod and at least one connecting part that is screwed to the latter, and with a securing element, which secures the screw connection between the threaded rod and the connecting part against loosening. The suspending device for a rail, in particular a running rail of a suspended conveyor or lifting gear, allows simplified and secure mounting in that the securing element engages in a groove with a pin part in the assembled state, with the groove being disposed in the threaded rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 20, 2013
    Applicant: DEMAG CRANES & COMPONENTS GMBH
    Inventors: Shrikant Bhosale, Mahesh Uttekar, Deepti Khadke, Deepak Desai, Akhoy Seal, Sven Müller
  • Patent number: 8460139
    Abstract: A belt installation guide is disclosed which accommodates the loading in a belt module of a new belt around drive rollers. The guide is placed opposite the end portions of the rollers, the belt is slipped over the guides and held by the guides until the belt is pushed over the rollers. The guides can be attached to the belt module or can be detachable therefrom. Once in place over the rollers, a tension is exerted on the belt to make it taut over all of the rollers. The guide is removed from near the rollers after the belt is in place over the rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: Bruce J. Parks
  • Publication number: 20130140144
    Abstract: A conveyor roller support arrangement includes a frame having a pair of opposed end-frames, each end-frame including a mounting means for mounting a respective end of a conveyor roller, wherein at least one of the mounting means is displaceable relative to the frame between an operative position in which the roller is mounted for rotation and a removable position in which the roller is free for removal from the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: John Dowling
  • Patent number: 8408385
    Abstract: A bracket assembly comprises a bracket and a stringer of a conveyor belt assembly. The bracket comprises a center mating surface and at least two outer mating surfaces. The center mating surface lies between the outer mating surfaces and is oriented at an obtuse angle relative to each of the outer mating surfaces. The stringer comprises a center mating surface and at least two outer mating surfaces. The outer mating surfaces of the bracket are clamped against the outer mating surfaces of the stringer in manner creating a load path for carrying vertical loads through contact forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Martin Engineering Company
    Inventor: Robert Todd Swinderman
  • Patent number: 8408386
    Abstract: A catwalk and conveyor support system adapted to be disassembled and including one or more raised sections each having a catwalk with a walkway and guard rails, and conveyor supports. Each of the conveyor supports have a vertical and a horizontal section, wherein the vertical section is adjustably connected to the catwalk and the horizontal section vertically adjusts with respect to the catwalk via the vertical section. The conveyor supports are arranged in a linear manner and are independently adjustable relative each other and relative the catwalk. Multiple raised sections may be used and are generally connected in a serial manner between storage receptacles. One or more conveyors for transporting the granular material between storage receptacles are supported upon the horizontal sections of the conveyor supports, wherein an angular disposition of the conveyors relative the catwalk is adjusted via vertical adjustment of one or more of the conveyor supports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Claire M. Rauser
  • Patent number: 8387781
    Abstract: A conveyor belt support for a conveyor may comprise: a mandrel mountable to the far side of the conveyor and extending transversely toward the near side thereof; a member mountable to the mandrel from the near side of the conveyor that is slideable on and rotatable about the mandrel; and a roller supported by the member, wherein the roller is transverse to the conveyor belt when the member is mounted to the mandrel, wherein rotating the member in a first direction moves the roller to an operating position for supporting the conveyor belt and rotating the member in a second direction moves the roller to a position wherein the member and roller are removable from the support mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: ASGCO Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: George T. Mott, Michael B. Heenan, Leroy C. Williams
  • Publication number: 20130047393
    Abstract: A device for supporting a cup belt conveyor system comprising: a first square tubing; a second square tubing; a middle square tubing joining the first square tubing with the second square tubing; an opening between the first square tubing and the second square tubing; and a series of bolts extending from the first square tubing, where the series of bolts secure the device at the top of a conveyor system and said opening allows the conveyor belt to pass through.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Floyd McIlroy
  • Patent number: 8376131
    Abstract: A plurality of modules of sufficiently light weight (<80 lbs) are assembled end-to-end to construct an assembly machine for performing desired operations on a series of workpieces. A supporting spine underlies the interconnected modules and supports them and associated equipment in the desired array. The modular construction permits the assembly machine to be reconfigured as needed should operational alterations require it, including, but not limited to, the cannibalization of the machine with the modules being usable in constructing a machine having entirely different characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventor: Douglas L. Swanson
  • Publication number: 20120325627
    Abstract: An alignment and bracing assembly and method of using the same to erect a bucket elevator. The assembly has first and second cross braces that are attached to trunking members of a bucket elevator in spaced relation where a plate is secured to each of the cross braces. The plate includes diagonal sections for additional bracing and in addition alignment openings so that alignment pins can be disposed therethrough to align additional sets of trunking members with one another during the erection process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: SUKUP MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventor: David J. Brownmiller