Conveyor Frame Or Casing Flexes Or Pivots Intermediate Its Ends To Move One End Relative To The Other Patents (Class 198/861.2)
  • Patent number: 11745952
    Abstract: A portable multi-sectioned boom conveyor assembly includes a main conveyor boom section and a distal conveyor boom section. The distal conveyor boom section is hinged, relative to the main conveyor boom section, so that the distal conveyor boom section can be adjusted in order to provide material to a desired location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventor: Walter Bynum
  • Patent number: 10941002
    Abstract: A telescopic conveyor includes a conveyor boom having two or more conveyor sections adapted to be extended and retracted with respect to one another in telescopic fashion to adjust the length of the boom, wherein the two or more conveyor sections are each curved about a common axis of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Telestack Limited
    Inventor: Philip Edwards
  • Patent number: 9156622
    Abstract: A sweep conveyor extends along a bin floor between a sump pivot about which the conveyor rotates, and an outer end adjacent the bin wall. During the conveyor's orbit about the floor, flights at the conveyor bottom sweep across the floor toward the sump pivot, whereby bin material in front of the conveyor is swept into a sump. The conveyor is preferably made in modular sections connected end-to-end, whereby different sections are combined to construct conveyors having different lengths and capabilities. Some sections are preferably hinged together, allowing different sections to adopt different inclinations as they travel about a non-level floor. The flights are preferably provided on a belted chain riding on sprockets at opposite ends of the conveyor, and the chain is not supported by idler sprockets along its length, allowing the chain (and its flights) to sag under gravity so the flights ride along the bin floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Inventor: Duane Cyril Chaon
  • Patent number: 9150361
    Abstract: A conveyor support structure for an aggregate processing apparatus, the support structure comprising a base section and a deployable boom structure. The boom structure includes a mid-section pivotably coupled to the base section, and a head section pivotably coupled to the mid-section. When the boom structure adopts a transport state, the mid-section extends at an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the ground surface. A pair of crossed head section supports are pivotably coupled between the base section and the head section and serve to guide the movement of the boom structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: TEREX GB Limited
    Inventor: Glenn Murphy
  • Patent number: 8973744
    Abstract: A curvable roller conveyor support, for supporting a longitudinally spaced apart array of transverse roller axles, the support comprising: a dentate elongate plate being laterally symmetric about a longitudinal centerline and having a plurality of lateral edge cutouts defining a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart opposing pairs of transverse arms, each arm having: a proximal end joined to an adjacent arm with a web having a plurality of central narrowed waist portions; and a distal end bent upwards defining a flange with a roller axle mount; and an elongate base secured to an underside surface of the dentate plate, whereby the central narrowed waist portions are bent and/or twisted during mounting to the base to follow a curved line in two or three dimensional space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Inventor: Thomas M. Thomas
  • Patent number: 8919526
    Abstract: The invention relates to a conveyor belt mounting for a charger that is used in road building, in order to supply a road-finishing machine with paving material. Using the slewing belt mounting, it is possible to achieve different discharge heights for the paving material. The slewing belt mounting comprises a cantilever arm, which is movably mounted on the frame of the charger, a pivot arm, which is pivotally connected to the cantilever arm, and a conveyor belt, which is connected to the pivot arm. The slewing belt mounting is characterized in that it comprises at least one lifting element, such as a hydraulic cylinder, cable winch, toothed rack, gear mechanism or the like, which is fastened by a first end to the frame and by a second end to the cantilever arm, wherein the cantilever arm is vertically adjustable by means of the lifting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Joseph Vogele AG
    Inventors: Steffen Fickeisen, Joschka Neumann
  • Publication number: 20140318339
    Abstract: An apparatus for conveying food products comprises a conveying device which is configured to convey food products located on a product support surface along a product conveying direction. The conveying device is adjustable with respect to a stationary base of the apparatus, with an adjustment device being provided for adjusting the conveying device, said adjustment device comprising a first articulated arm arrangement and a second articulated arm arrangement spaced apart therefrom. The articulated arm arrangements each comprise a first articulated arm pivotally connected to the base and a second articulated arm pivotally connected to the conveying device, with mutually corresponding articulated arms being pivotable about respective parallel pivot axes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Applicant: Weber Maschinenbau GmbH Breidenbach
    Inventors: Kai-Andre BRIEL, Ingo ROTHER
  • Patent number: 8857609
    Abstract: A unit for separating a pre-cut-out substrate into a plurality of separate sub-substrates (20). The unit includes upstream (2) and downstream (2a) transverse guides; conveyor ramps, which convey the pre-cut-out substrate and the separate sub-substrates (20), the ramps are slidably and pivotably mounted on the guides (4). Upstream and downstream locks holds each ramp (3) in a locked position. A movable element supports upstream and downstream unlocking devices for engaging the upstream and downstream locking devices to release the ramps (3). Upstream and downstream grasping devices grasp and drive the ramps (3) along the upstream (2) and downstream (2a) guides to arrange the ramps in a fan-like configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Bobst Mex SA
    Inventor: Oskar Dittli
  • Publication number: 20140299452
    Abstract: A curvable roller conveyor support, for supporting a longitudinally spaced apart array of transverse roller axles, the support comprising: a dentate elongate plate being laterally symmetric about a longitudinal centerline and having a plurality of lateral edge cutouts defining a plurality of longitudinally spaced apart opposing pairs of transverse arms, each arm having: a proximal end joined to an adjacent arm with a web having a plurality of central narrowed waist portions; and a distal end bent upwards defining a flange with a roller axle mount; and an elongate base secured to an underside surface of the dentate plate, whereby the central narrowed waist portions are bent and/or twisted during mounting to the base to follow a curved line in two or three dimensional space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: DOUBLE T EQUIPMENT LTD.
    Inventor: Thomas M. THOMAS
  • Patent number: 8776999
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus having an articulating frame for conveying articles, as well as self-propelled articulating frames.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dyco, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter D. Yohe, Ronald H. Cordingly, Thomas M. Zurewich, Yakov Kushnir
  • Patent number: 8770386
    Abstract: In a folding transport conveyor (2) for a construction machine (1), with a first transport conveyor section (4) articulated at the construction machine (1), a second transport conveyor section (6) articulated at the first transport conveyor section (4) in a pivoting fashion, with a conveyor belt (10) continuously revolving around both transport conveyor sections (6), and with at least one pivoting mechanism acting between the transport conveyor sections (4, 6), it is provided that the pivoting mechanism includes a cam mechanism (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Wirtgen GmbH
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Heinz Koetting, Bjoern Schneider, Herbert Ley, Joerg Berges, Martin Lenz
  • Publication number: 20140124330
    Abstract: A conveyor support structure for an aggregate processing apparatus, the support structure (20) comprising a base section (24) and a deployable boom structure (22). The boom structure includes a mid-section (28) pivotably coupled to the base section, and a head section (26) pivotably coupled to the mid-section. When the boom structure adopts a transport state, the mid-section extends at an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the ground surface. A pair of crossed head section supports (38, 40) are pivotably coupled between the base section and the head section and serve to guide the movement of the boom structure (22).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: TEREX GB LIMITED
    Inventor: Glenn Murphy
  • Patent number: 8690513
    Abstract: The unloader system has a conveyor and a raise system having an elongate support element including a flexible first end portion and an opposite second end, the first end portion being connected to a support structure at a location higher than a first end of the conveyor, and the second end being connected to the conveyor at a location therealong adjacent to a free end thereof. A cam element is disposed on the support structure in a path of movement of the flexible first end portion of the support element such that as the conveyor is pivoted from the stored position toward the operating position the flexible first end portion will conformingly engage or bend about the cam element to raise the free end of the conveyor. The conveyor can include an elbow which is straightened by this action for raising the free end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Jonathan E. Ricketts, Joshua D. Werning
  • Patent number: 8584834
    Abstract: A support system (10) for goods conveyor belts includes a supporting frame and conveyor (30) fixed to the supporting frame and designed for defining a curved path upon which goods are handled. The support system (10) has a plurality of connection brackets (23) among the supporting frame and the conveyor (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: NC Componenti S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luigi Fundone
  • Publication number: 20130233682
    Abstract: A reload conveyor with an articulating conveyor frame is provided. The reload conveyor includes a main conveyor frame and a placement conveyor frame positioned at a discharge end of the main conveyor frame. The placement conveyor frames articulates to assume a transport configuration and a material transfer configuration. The overall length of the placement conveyor frame in the transport configuration is substantially shorter than in the material transfer configuration. A pair of material receiving mechanisms are provided and arranged to assume a material transfer configuration and a transport configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: Earth Corp. Industries, LLC
    Inventor: Jay Werlinger
  • Patent number: 8424666
    Abstract: In a folding transport conveyor (2) for a construction machine (1), with a first transport conveyor section (4) articulated at the construction machine (1), a second transport conveyor section (6) articulated at the first transport conveyor section (4) in a pivoting fashion, with a conveyor belt (10) continuously revolving around both transport conveyor sections (6), and with at least one pivoting mechanism acting between the transport conveyor sections (4, 6), it is provided that the pivoting mechanism includes a cam mechanism (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Inventors: Christian Berning, Heinz Koetting, Bjoern Schneider, Herbert Ley, Joerg Berges, Martin Lenz
  • Patent number: 8405693
    Abstract: A transport apparatus for flat materials which are to be printed has a number of spacer pieces which lie axially parallel with respect to one another and are disposed at two ends of a bearing plate of a roller carrier between a first and a second shaped part plate. The bearing plate is equipped with a pull rod for the defined deflection of the roller carrier with corresponding loading of the bearing plate by a mechanical tensile stress which is exerted by the pull rod, and is also equipped with a stressing and setting device, by way of which the tensile stress can be set, which is transmitted through stressing device to the two ends of the bearing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Francotyp-Postalia GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Muhl
  • Publication number: 20130068596
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus having an articulating frame for conveying articles, as well as self-propelled articulating frames.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Inventors: Peter D. YOHE, Ronald H. CORDINGLY, Thomas M. ZUREWICH, Yakov KUSHNIR
  • Publication number: 20120080293
    Abstract: Arrangements are for use with interconnected conveyor sections, such as push beams, commonly found in mining applications. In one embodiment, a mechanism includes an elongated dog-bone shaped coupler having a first and second end for insertion between the conveyor sections. A first end of the coupler is secured to a first conveyor section, while a second end of the coupler is received in a recess formed in a second conveyor section. A pivotally mounted cam includes a recess for mating with the upwardly projecting, flared portion of the second end of the coupler. The cam pivots automatically upon being engaged by a free end of the coupler to allow it to pass and then pivots to capture it in place, thereby simply establishing a secure manner of connection. In another, the ends of the conveyor sections are specially adapted to form an articulating joint.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Inventors: Phillip A. Webb, Michael R. Walker
  • Patent number: 8146734
    Abstract: A belt unit includes a first roller; a second roller; a belt extended with at least the first roller and the second roller; a first supporting member for supporting the first roller; a second supporting member disposed to be freely rotatable relative to the first supporting member for supporting the second roller; a switching member for switching the first supporting member and the second supporting member between a first state for applying tension to the belt and a second state for loosening the belt; and a regulating member for regulating the second supporting member to rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Oki Data Corporation
    Inventor: Yuichi Shoji
  • Patent number: 8104607
    Abstract: Arrangements are for use with interconnected conveyor sections, such as push beams, commonly found in mining applications. In one embodiment a mechanism includes an elongated dog-bone shaped coupler having a first and second end for insertion between the conveyor sections. A first end of the coupler is secured to a first conveyor section, while a second end of the coupler is received in a recess formed in a second conveyor section. A pivotally mounted cam includes a recess for mating with the upwardly projecting, flared portion of the second end of the coupler. The cam pivots automatically upon being engaged by a free end of the coupler to allow it to pass and then pivots to capture it in place, thereby simply establishing a secure manner of connection. In another, the ends of the conveyor sections are specially adapted to form an articulating joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: American Highwall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip A. Webb, Michael R. Walker
  • Patent number: 8074792
    Abstract: Arrangements are for use with interconnected conveyor sections, such as push beams, commonly found in mining applications. In one embodiment, a mechanism includes an elongated dog-bone shaped coupler having a first and second end for insertion between the conveyor sections. A first end of the coupler is secured to a first conveyor section, while a second end of the coupler is received in a recess formed in a second conveyor section. A pivotally mounted cam includes a recess for mating with the upwardly projecting, flared portion of the second end of the coupler. The cam pivots automatically upon being engaged by a free end of the coupler to allow it to pass and then pivots to capture it in place, thereby simply establishing a secure manner of connection. In another, the ends of the conveyor sections are specially adapted to form an articulating joint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: American Highwall Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip A. Webb, Michael R. Walker
  • Patent number: 8069977
    Abstract: The subject invention provides for a slider bed conveyor system that allows for lateral movement of a longitudinally moving conveyor of a fixed length. The system includes a first conveyor section having a first surface that extends between opposing first walls. A second conveyor section is operatively connected with the first conveyor section and includes a second surface that extends between opposing second walls. The first and second conveyor sections support the longitudinally moving conveyor and the second conveyor section is laterally moveable in relation to the first conveyor section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Jervis B. Webb Company
    Inventor: Mark J. Avery
  • Patent number: 7992704
    Abstract: An improved material transport vehicle having an integrated assembly for cleaning out conveyors, elevators, hoppers and the like, and method for clean-out utilizing the same. The cleanout assembly comprises one or more detachable panels strategically located about the material transport vehicle, and means for releasing the same, so as to permit convenient and safe access to the components for removing unused, old or dried material. The detachable panel or panels are integral with a surface of the housings, typically the lower surface thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Weiler, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick J. Weiler
  • Patent number: 7870950
    Abstract: A conveyor system includes first and second upstanding posts disposed in longitudinally spaced apart relation to one another. Each post is surmounted by forward and rearward support arms that form a “V”-shape. A forward drive belt is mounted for rotation along a path of travel perpendicular to the forward support arms. A first embodiment cradles a product container between the forward drive belt and a rearward primary support arm. A second embodiment includes the first embodiment structure and adds a rearward secondary support arm. A third embodiment includes the primary but not the rearward secondary support arm, the forward drive belt and a forward secondary support arm. A fourth embodiment includes the rearward primary and secondary support arms, the forward drive belt and a forward secondary support arm. The product container is tilted from vertical so that the conveyor follows a path of travel including curvatures having no guide rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Inventor: Rhett L. Rinne
  • Publication number: 20100263993
    Abstract: A deflection mechanism (1) for a conveying system including a central member (5) with a rolling element (20) that revolves around the central member (5). The rolling element (2) has a plurality of guided rolls (3) which roll within a raceway (13) of the central member (5). The shape of the central member (5) is adjustable such that a deflection angle of the deflection mechanism (1) can be adjusted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: WRH WALTER REIST HOLDING AG
    Inventors: Marco DeAngelis, Erwin Muller
  • Publication number: 20100213037
    Abstract: The subject invention provides for a slider bed conveyor system that allows for lateral movement of a longitudinally moving conveyor of a fixed length. The system includes a first conveyor section having a first surface that extends between opposing first walls. A second conveyor section is operatively connected with the first conveyor section and includes a second surface that extends between opposing second walls. The first and second conveyor sections support the longitudinally moving conveyor and the second conveyor section is laterally moveable in relation to the first conveyor section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Applicant: JERVIS B. WEBB COMPANY
    Inventor: Mark J. Avery
  • Patent number: 7708132
    Abstract: An automated adjustment system is provided for positioning a speed reduction belt assembly to receive an elongated wood article exiting a processing machine. The speed reduction belt assembly has opposite first and second ends. The automated adjustment system includes a horizontal adjustment mechanism operable to adjust an angle of the speed reduction belt assembly in a horizontal plane. The automated adjustment system also includes a vertical adjustment mechanism operable to adjust the height of one of the first and second ends of the belt assembly relative to the other of the first and second ends of the belt assembly, thereby adjusting an inclination of the belt assembly. The automated adjustment system further includes a control unit in communication with the horizontal and vertical adjustment mechanisms for sending control signals thereto. The control signals determine the angle and inclination of the belt assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Les Produits Gilbert Inc.
    Inventors: Sylvain Gilbert, Daniel Paré
  • Publication number: 20090308718
    Abstract: A foldable side frame for a side conveyor system of a screening unit for processing materials that includes means of placing the side conveyor system within an envelope of a screening device. The system comprises providing a base, mid and upper frame section of the side conveyor system with a first operating means acting to pivot the mid frame relative to the base frame about a first pivot axis and a second operating means acting to pivot the upper frame relative to the mid frame about a second pivot axis in which in the operative position the first and second axes are obliquely angled relative to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Anthony Devlin, Paul McDermott
  • Patent number: 7562764
    Abstract: An entry conveyor including a conveyor pan formed by a plurality of pan sections that are hingeably connected to each other, at the two ends of which conveyor pan drive stations and/or return stations for a scraper chain are provided. Each pan section includes a top strand delimited by lateral profiles and the conveyor base and a bottom strand for the scraper chain as well as receiving elements for a pan section connecting mechanism, which elements are disposed outside of the lateral profiles. A pan strand including a plurality of pan sections that are disposed behind each other is provided in the conveyor pan, which sections are hingeably coupled via a center swivel bearing disposed on the center longitudinal axis of the conveyor pan or the pan sections. The invention also relates to the pan sections with the center swivel bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: DBT GmbH
    Inventors: Siegfrid Schmidt, Gerhard Merten, Hans Meya, Jörg Wirtz, Ingo Pruss, Karl-Heinz Schürer, Kauu Brüggemann, legal representative, Reinhold Brüggemann
  • Patent number: 7552818
    Abstract: The invention relates to support means, which is for supporting a lateral conveyor adapted for mounting upon a mobile chassis, including a tail section, middle section and at least one head section having pivot points related to the conveyor frame separating said sections from each other. The support means includes a variable length mounting arm comprising at least first and second sections and first and second ends, and means for locking the length of the mounting arm into at least one fixed length corresponding to the length of the conveyor in use. The first end is fixed immobile in relation to the mobile chassis and the second end is fixed immobile in relation to the head section of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2009
    Assignee: Metso Minerals (Cappagh) Ltd.
    Inventors: Marko Kalevi Makinen, Stephen Alexander Whyte, Kari Heikki Olavi Antila
  • Patent number: 7530452
    Abstract: A guard for a conveyor used for conveying objects where the objects may have elements which extend outside the object itself, and which thereby may become stuck in the conveyor structure per se is provided between extremities of the free ends of conveying elements to prevent entanglement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Inventor: Martin Vestergaard
  • Patent number: 7472785
    Abstract: A conveyor assembly including a first conveyor frame configured to move along a path relative to a mounting frame and including a conveyor belt. The conveyor assembly further includes a second conveyor frame, connected to the first conveyor frame via a pivot, and configured to automatically rotate to change an angle between the first conveyor frame and the second conveyor frame in response to movement of the first conveyor frame relative to the mounting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2009
    Assignee: Kuhn North America, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Albright, Claude McFarlane, George Cicci
  • Patent number: 7438180
    Abstract: A multi-axis conveyor comprises a telescoping, articulating beam supported from a platform. A belt support assembly, comprising a plurality of belt support plates connected by telescoping, articulating joints and two end rollers provides support for a closed, flexible belt loop. A control system provides hydraulic fluid to hydraulic cylinders to telescope individual beam segments of the articulating beam and hydraulic motors for positioning multi-axis joints connecting the beam segments to position the end of the conveyor in the desired length and the desired horizontal and vertical position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Inventors: John S. Taylor, Thomas W. Barrett
  • Patent number: 7398872
    Abstract: A device for aligning plate-like workpieces traveling in a machine direction in a machine processing them, more particularly in a folder-gluer, comprising an upper aligner and a lower aligner. The lower aligner is equipped, on the one hand with a guiding member mounted on a lower guide, and on the other hand with a lower conveyor having at least one useful portion which is fixedly attached to an upper guide movable in the horizontal plane with respect to the lower guide. The lower and upper guides form a bearing element unit, which is weakened by an opening extending between the guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Bobst, S.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Valterio, Philippe Vogt, Daniel Cugnoni
  • Patent number: 7347321
    Abstract: A flexible conveyor rail to be used as a part of a conveyor system such as a trolley conveyor system or a cross bar conveyor system wherein the flexible conveyor rail freely bents downwardly or upwardly within a predetermined range. The flexible conveyor rail is configured with a plurality of rail pieces arranged in a longitudinal direction of the flexible conveyor rail, a plurality of stopper pieces each being connected to a corresponding one of the rail pieces, a link chain for connecting each set of the rail piece and the stopper piece to other set of the rail piece and the stopper piece to be freely bent in a vertical direction. A link plate of the link chain is attached to a corresponding one of the rail pieces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Inventor: Hideyuki Sakai
  • Patent number: 7275638
    Abstract: Method for manufacturing a bent curve element and a blank for manufacturing a bent curved metal element for an endless chain conveying track are disclosed. The bent curve element has a support flange intended to constitute a guide rail for a first side of chain elements forming part of the chain conveying track, and a web from which the first flange extends. The web is intended to provide torsional rigidity to the bend element. A bend element is used to make bend unit which in turn is used to make a conveying track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Flexlink Components AB
    Inventor: Andreas Rundqvist
  • Patent number: 7222731
    Abstract: A laterally adjustable conveyor utilizes a belt support assembly consisting of a plurality of pivoting support plates connected by pivots for sliding support of a flexible belt. A plurality of support stands provide support for the pivot plates from the floor or other supporting surface. A belt drive provides motive power for the flexible belt. A lateral adjustment assembly provides a means to position the back end laterally with respect to the front end of the conveyor by rotating pivot plates about plate pivots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Inventors: John S. Taylor, Thomas W. Barrett
  • Patent number: 6868962
    Abstract: An adjustable assembly is configured to accommodate angular adjustment between adjacent belted conveyor sections. The adjustable assembly functions to position the belted conveyor sections so that one of the rollers of one belted conveyor section is aligned with the rollers of the other belted conveyor section in a direction of conveyance of the conveyor sections. The rollers are aligned such that an article on the belt of the upstream belted conveyor section does not substantially engage the aligned roller of the downstream belted conveyor section as the article is moved from the upstream belt onto the downstream belt. The adjustable assembly may provide a smooth transition between the conveyor sections throughout a range of angular adjustment of the adjustable assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Rapistan Systems Advertising Corp.
    Inventor: Frank-Peter Schaum
  • Patent number: 6857517
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible conveyor comprising a carrying structure and a conveyor belt where the upper side is defined by the loading surface of the conveyor belt. The invention provides a flexible conveyor comprising a carrying structure and a conveyor belt where the upper side is defined by the conveyor belt loading surface characterised in that the carrying structure comprises a load-carrying chain where each link in the chain on its upper side comprises conveyor belt support means, and on its underside conveyor belt guidance means, and that each load-carrying chain link is articulately joined for movement in three dimensions relative to the adjacent links and further that the conveyor belts loading surface is supported by the conveyor belt support means, and further that means are provided in each end of the flexible conveyor about which the conveyor belt is guidably turned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Assignee: PED Invest A/S
    Inventor: Poul Erik Damkjær
  • Patent number: 6761265
    Abstract: A plurality of I-beam segments is aligned end-to-end in a longitudinal series. An elongated flexible sheet is carried on each side of the aligned I-beam webs. A flexible lap plate interconnects juxtaposed pairs of I-beam webs and maintains the elongated sheets in a slidable relationship, such that the flexible sheets can move with respect to the webs when the track section flexes laterally.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Assignee: Serpentix Conveyor Corp.
    Inventors: Michael S. Dolan, Robert E. Nissen, Robert D. Nusz
  • Publication number: 20040124071
    Abstract: A plurality of I-beam segments is aligned end-to-end in a longitudinal series. An elongated flexible sheet is carried on each side of the aligned I-beam webs. A flexible lap plate interconnects juxtaposed pairs of I-beam webs and maintains the elongated sheets in a slidable relationship, such that the flexible sheets can move with respect to the webs when the track section flexes laterally.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2002
    Publication date: July 1, 2004
    Applicant: SERPENTIX CONVEYOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michael S. Dolan, Robert E. Nissen, Robert D. Nusz
  • Publication number: 20040084286
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible conveyor comprising a carrying structure and a conveyor belt where the upper side is defined by the loading surface of the conveyor belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Inventor: Poul Erik Damkjaer
  • Patent number: 6708814
    Abstract: A two part endless conveyor which is adjustable between an in-line operative position and a folded position. The conveyor has two folding conveyor parts which are mounted to the frame of a material handling apparatus. A folding mechanism interconnects the two conveyor parts. It includes a coupling block or linkage which interconnects the two folding conveyor via a respective one of a pair of pivots and a pair of linear actuators associated with the conveyor parts. Each actuator rotates the coupling block through approximately 90° about the respective pivot, whereby the folding mechanism, under the action of the two linear actuators, can adjust the conveyor parts between the in-line operative position and the folded transport position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Extec Industries, PLC
    Inventor: Christopher William Wagstaffe
  • Patent number: 6705461
    Abstract: A modular conveyor system (10) comprising multiple modules, such as a straight module (18), a powered module (20), a return module (23), and a radius turn module (22). The modules can be directly connected or connected by one or more connection assemblies (26). The radius turn module includes bendable side walls (131) that can be combined or cut as needed to obtain the desired angle of turn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Dynamic Conveyor Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Kuharevicz, Curtis Chambers, Cory Slotman, Daughn Majeski
  • Patent number: 6651804
    Abstract: A material conveying system capable of traversing a floor along a curvilinear path, the system comprising a plurality of framework members arranged in tandem on the surface along a portion of the path to form an elongated longitudinally extending conveyor train; and connector means on each framework member cooperate with connector means on each adjacent framework member for coupling the plurality of framework members, the connector means permitting movement between adjacent framework members. The conveying system also includes a plurality of the framework members including a crawler chain assembly comprising a plurality of crawler chain pads interconnected by chain links to form an endless loop. The crawler chain assembly extends over a lower portion of each of the plurality of framework members wherein the crawler chain pads are maintained in engagement with the floor, and over an upper portion having an upper surface that supports the chain pads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Joy MM Delaware, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry M. Thomas, Gregory M. Chandler
  • Patent number: 6626285
    Abstract: A collapsible chip conveyer includes a conveying member having a forwarding portion and a return portion. The conveying member receives chips discharged from a machining tool at a receiving position set on the forwarding portion, conveys the chips to a discharge position, which is located on the forward portion and spaced from the receiving position by a predetermined distance, and discharges the chips from the discharge position. The conveying member has a guide rail, a frame, and a hinge mechanism. Also, the conveying member includes a plurality of separation portions, each of which includes a part of the guide rail and a part of the frame. The hinge mechanism has a rotation axis, which is located between the forwarding portion and the return portion, and couples the separation portions such that the separation portions pivots about the rotation axis between a collapsed position and an opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Enomoto Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yukio Enomoto
  • Patent number: 6619473
    Abstract: A bolt-together powered belt conveyor assembly includes adjustable tail assemblies which facilitate adjustment of the overall length of the conveyor, while positively securing the position of the end rollers relative to the conveyor sections. The conveyor assembly further includes an adjustable nose-over assembly, which is adjustable to accommodate a change in angle between adjacent conveyor sections. The conveyor assembly further includes a drive assembly which is connectable between end assemblies or slider bed conveyor sections and which is adapted to be installed on a horizontal, inclined or declined conveyor section. The position of the rollers, length of the conveyor sections and angle of incline of the conveyor section may be easily adjusted via adjustment of one or more fasteners of the conveyor assembly, thereby avoiding the need of welding various components of the conveyor assembly together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Rapistan Systems Advertising Corp.
    Inventor: Ernest A. Romeo
  • Patent number: 6520321
    Abstract: The invention disclosed consists of a modular conveyor formed by a number of removably attachable conveyor sections, which form an elongated, endless conveyor. Each section contains a frame, a guide roller, and a plurality of legs. A drive roller is attached adjacent to the conveyor section located at one end of the elongated endless conveyor and an end roller is attached adjacent to the conveyor section at the opposite end of the elongated endless conveyor. An endless conveyor belt is mounted over the frames, the drive roller, and the end roller. The endless conveyor belt is further supported by the guide rollers. A drive motor is connected to the drive roller to provide motive power to drive the conveyor belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Inventors: Donald S. Thurston, Gary M. Cardno
  • Patent number: 6499588
    Abstract: A conveying system for conveying items along a conveying line (1, 2) includes a guide device (3) extending along the conveying line and at least one conveying element (5) movable along the conveying line and guided by the guide device (3). The guide device (3) and conveying element (5) are designed for conveying the items substantially independent of gravity. For selectable connection of the conveying line to a plurality of connecting points (A.1-A.3) the conveying system includes, connected to a invariable conveying line region (1) with a fixedly mounted guide device, a variable conveying line region (2) in which the guide device (3) is reversibly bendable and twistable. For bending and/or twisting the guide device and for supporting the guide device in a bent and/or twisted position necessary for a specific connection, a drivable connector (8) is provided. The variable conveying line region (2) may be an end region of the conveying line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: IPT Weinfelden AG
    Inventor: Jürg Eberle