Holder Is Removable Or Replaceable Relative To Drive Patents (Class 198/867.01)
  • Patent number: 11772909
    Abstract: A linear motor conveyor system including: a track comprising a shaped guide rail; a plurality of moving elements, each moving element having: a body; at least two bearings supported by the body and configured to match with the shaped guide rail, wherein the bearings are mounted to the moving element such that the moving elements overlap along the direction of the track providing a reduced tooling pitch between the moving elements. A moving element for moving on a track of a conveyor system, the moving element including: a first set of bearings shaped to match with a first shaped guide rail; a second set of bearings configured to abut against a second guide rail; and a body supporting the first and the second bearing, wherein the body is shaped to allow the first bearing to at least partially overlap the body of an adjacent moving element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: ATS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Albert Kleinikkink, Roger Hogan, Ian Cameron
  • Publication number: 20150114804
    Abstract: A container for transporting luggage items in an airport sorting system using a conveyor system for conveying the luggage items, includes a bottom region for coupling to a conveying unit of the conveyor system and a transporting region supported by the bottom region and receiving a luggage item to be transported. The bottom and transporting regions are each produced from x-ray transparent or radiolucent material. In order to provide a container which can be produced with low expenditure, is robust with regard to transport processes and is as homogeneous as possible with regard to being x-ray transparent or radiolucent, the bottom and transporting regions are formed from a basic body produced in one piece and from an x-ray transparent or radiolucent material and the basic body is formed from a foam perform or molded part. A sorting system for airport luggage items is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventors: David Delaney, Balthazar-Simon Ten Berge
  • Patent number: 8997976
    Abstract: The invention relates to a supporting and guiding assembly for conveyor belts comprising a frame (1) which comprises at least one base element (1a), and at least one substantially flat structure (33a) supported by said at least one base element (1a); wherein said at least one substantially flat structure (33a) is projecting with respect to said at least one base element (1a) and is open on one of its sides through which said at least one conveyor belt (2) can be introduced/removed; and wherein said assembly additionally comprises at least one supporting and guiding mechanism of at least one conveyor belt from at least one perimetric guiding profile; such that it allows considerably simplifying the maintenance, repair and replacement of all the elements forming the assembly, minimizing the downtimes and saving in waiting costs and costs of parts to be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Inventors: Cecilia Vila Torra, Jordi Gavalda Monedero
  • Patent number: 8973745
    Abstract: A carrier element (20) for receiving and transporting articles (10) or containers within a production facility. The carrier element (20) includes a receiving portion (22) with a receiving opening (24) for the article (10) or the container. The carrier element (20) includes a fastening portion (30), which is arranged spatially separate from the receiving portion. The fastening portion (30) includes at least one hollow inside area (34) and at least one opening (40) in a section of the outer casing (31). This opening (40) provides an open connection to the inside area (34) of the fastening portion (30). At least one functional surface (45) is arranged in the hollow inside area (34) for the purpose of creating a force-locking and/or form-locking connection to a coupling device (50) of the production facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2015
    Assignee: Krones Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Robert Scheibenpflug, Martin Seger
  • Publication number: 20150034461
    Abstract: A conveying system for material samples, especially medical samples, comprising a conveyor track forming at least one conveying section and at least one self-propelled sample holder displaceable along the conveying section holding a sample vessel. The holder comprises a drive motor, an energy accumulator for supplying the motor with driving energy and a friction wheel, drivable by the motor, for transmitting force onto the track. The track has at least one guide structure forming the conveying section. The holder has exactly one wheel on a lower side facing the track in operation, and has at least two sliding elements which rest on the track in operation and slide along the track's surface, the sliding elements and the wheel lying on the vertices of a triangle. The holder, on its lower side, has a guide element for cooperation with the guide structure in the track to guide the holder along the conveying section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Hecht
  • Publication number: 20150027860
    Abstract: There is provided a conveyor system including: a track comprising a first magnetic element; and a moving element comprising a second magnetic element for interacting with the track to provide a magnetic force that retains the moving element on the track; wherein absent the magnetic force, the moving element is released from the track. In another aspect, there is provided a conveyor system that includes: a track having at least one guide rail; and a moving element; wherein a magnetic force controls movement of the moving element in a direction of travel and the magnetic force supports the moving element in a second direction perpendicular to the direction of travel; and wherein the at least one guide rail supports the moving element in a third direction perpendicular to both the direction of travel and the second direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Albert John KLEINIKKINK, Donald James MOWAT, Ryan Lloyd Willis Arthur SCOTT
  • 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: 8794431
    Abstract: A conveyor system is provided with a plurality of support members which are erected and spaced apart from each other, a plurality of holding units on which the plurality of support members are held, and a drive unit that moves the holding units in a conveying direction. A supporting plane on which a workpiece is supported and conveyed is formed by distal end portions of the support members. The support members are movable in parallel with respect to the supporting plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuo Kobayashi, Izuru Hori, Shin Yoshida, Kenichi Fukami
  • Patent number: 8789679
    Abstract: A transferring device includes a conveyer system, a reloading mechanism, and a jig. The reloading mechanism includes a blocking assembly and a grasping assembly. The blocking assembly includes a holding member mounted on the conveyer system, a stopping member, and a first driving member positioned on the holding member. The stopping member is connected to the first driving member. The grasping assembly includes a fixing member mounted on the conveyer system, a second driving member mounted on the fixing member, a third driving member mounted on the second driving member, and a pair of catches. The catches are positioned at opposite ends of the third driving member. The jig includes a top cover and a bottom cover engaged with the top cover. The jig is transferred on the conveyor system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignees: Fu Ding Electronical Technology (Jiashan) Co., Ltd., Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jian-Qiang Lu, Jian-Hua Xu
  • Publication number: 20140174893
    Abstract: A device for filling containers with low viscosity to pasty food products, comprising: support elements that are run in a feed direction along an upper element, a first side element, a lower element and a second side element through the device in an endless manner, wherein the support elements are run through the device in a chainless manner, wherein the support elements are moved by a feed device between the upper element and the lower element, wherein the support elements include receivers for containers, wherein the containers are supported in the support elements along operating stations, wherein a magazine is arrangeable at least at one of the side elements and the magazine is used for introducing additional support elements from the magazine into the device and/or for receiving support elements arranged in the device. The device facilitates a quick and simple format change.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Hamba Filltec GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Martin Junk
  • Patent number: 8701866
    Abstract: A mat for the transport of an object on a top surface of the mat is disclosed. The mat comprises elastic material, and reinforcements are provided in the mat that are enclosed at least partially by the elastic material. The reinforcements are aligned parallel or approximately parallel to one another, and the elastic material and the reinforcements interact in such a way that a flexing of the mat at a first arc of curvature in a first plane can take place with less force than at a second arc of curvature in a second plane. A transfer device for at least one object in combination with the mat is also disclosed, whereby the transfer device comprises means for moving a mat and means for guiding the mat out of a transport plane. Methods for transferring an object are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Tilo Olszak
  • Patent number: 8695791
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a carrier puck for a conveyer system, the carrier puck comprising a circular lower body, and an upper body attached to the circular lower body, and where the puck further comprises a slide ring arranged in a ring groove positioned above a lower contact surface of the lower body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: FlexLink Components AB
    Inventor: Michael Öhman
  • Publication number: 20130180834
    Abstract: A carrier element (20) for receiving and transporting articles (10) or containers within a production facility. The carrier element (20) includess a receiving portion (22) with a receiving opening (24) for the article (10) or the container. The carrier element (20) includes a fastening portion (30), which is arranged spatially separate from the receiving portion. Said fastening portion (30) includes at least one hollow inside area (34) and at least one opening (40) in a section of the outer casing (31). This opening (40) provides an open connection to the inside area (34) of the fastening portion (30). At least one functional surface (45) is arranged in the hollow inside area (34) for the purpose of creating a force-locking and/or form-locking connection to a coupling device (50) of the production facility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicant: Krones Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Krones Aktiengesellschaft
  • Patent number: 8474594
    Abstract: A self-propelling drive unit with a chassis and a coupling device by means of which a skid can be coupled detachably to the chassis, a drive system for driving a skid and a conveyor installation, in which a drive unit is provided inside a conveying area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Eisenmann AG
    Inventors: Joerg Robbin, Thomas Ruggaber
  • Patent number: 8430233
    Abstract: The transport of work carriers on an assembly line is performed by the use of novel linear motors in which the primary part has both solenoids and permanent magnets and in which the secondary part has no permanent magnets of its own. By the provision of a magnetically soft plate, a work carrier has uniformly spaced clearances with respect to the secondary part and can be moved by the suitably arranged primary part. On an assembly line, it can be provided that the primary parts supplement the unction of an existing transporting bet. It may also be provided that a transporting belt is completely replaced by such primary parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Sascha Fischer, Peter Grosser, Gerhard Heinemann
  • Patent number: 8336701
    Abstract: A skid for supporting at least one object which is conveyable in a conveying direction inside a conveyor installation comprises at least two support runners disposed parallel to one another. Running means different from the support runners are fastened to the skid. In addition, a transfer station for transferring an above-mentioned skid from conveying means to a guide structure is specified. Also specified are a self-propelling drive unit with a chassis and a coupling device by means of which a skid can be coupled detachably to the chassis, a drive system for driving a skid and a conveyor installation, in which a drive unit is provided inside a conveying area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Eisenmann AG
    Inventors: Thomas Ruggaber, Joerg Robbin
  • Publication number: 20120241294
    Abstract: A retaining device for printed circuit boards is of a frame-like form, with transporting carriages arranged on the outer longitudinal sides and intended for transporting the retaining device, a retaining frame of the retaining device for the substrates being arranged between the transporting carriages. The retaining frame is mounted height-adjustably on the transporting carriages and so a substrate restrained in it can be lowered or raised during the treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: Gebr. Schmid GmbH
    Inventors: Bernd Link, Tobias Dettling
  • Publication number: 20120228094
    Abstract: Various embodiments include a carrier puck for a conveyor system, the carrier puck comprising a circular lower body, and an upper body attached to the circular lower body, and where the puck further comprises a slide ring arranged in a ring groove positioned above a lower contact surface of the lower body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: FlexLink Components AB
    Inventor: Michael Öhman
  • Patent number: 7921990
    Abstract: A tote for a conveyor system may include an upper part and a lower part. The upper part may define an upper, article-supporting surface. The article-supporting surface may be adapted to receive and support articles while the articles are conveyed in or on the tote. The lower part may define a lower, substantially plane bearing surface that extends over an area substantially equal to the article-supporting surface. The upper and lower parts may be transparent to X-rays. The upper and lower parts may be made from fire-retardant material. A plurality of support points and areas may be provided between the upper part and the lower part in order to transfer forces between the article-supporting surface and the bearing surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Crisplant A/S
    Inventor: Brian Lynge Sørensen
  • Publication number: 20100314215
    Abstract: The transport of work carriers on an assembly line is performed by the use of novel linear motors in which the primary part has both solenoids and permanent magnets and in which the secondary part has no permanent magnets of its own. By the provision of a magnetically soft plate, a work carrier has uniformly spaced clearances with respect to the secondary part and can be moved by the suitably arranged primary part. On an assembly line, it can be provided that the primary parts supplement the unction of an existing transporting bet. It may also be provided that a transporting belt is completely replaced by such primary parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Sascha Fischer, Peter Grosser, Gerhard Heinemann
  • Publication number: 20100294628
    Abstract: A reduced noise container carrier for an automated container filling machine has a container receptacle portion sized to receive a plurality of different sized containers; a side portion situated between the container receptacle portion and the bottom portion for engaging a plurality of mechanical devices of the machine; a substantially flat bottom portion for engaging a conveyor belt of the machine; an identification portion encoding an identification of the carrier; and, a noise reduction portion comprising a groove encircling the side portion of the carrier and a band disposed in the groove. The noise reduction portion is disposed to engage noise reduction portions of other carriers when the carriers collide on the conveyor belt and to avoid engaging portions of the machine other than the conveyor belt during a period of time when the machine is using the speed of the conveyor belt to calculate the position of the carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventors: Eugene E. Fellows, Lawrence C. Hardy
  • Patent number: 7766155
    Abstract: The invention relates to a transfer device (15) for transferring an article (9) in a printing machine (2), the device comprising a hinged manipulator arm (20), a hinged gripper clamp (22), and drive means adapted to drive both the manipulator arm (20) and the gripper clamp (22) together in rotation. The drive means include synchronization means adapted to inhibit the rotary movement of the gripper clamp (22) relative to the rotary movement of the manipulator arm (20), temporarily as a function of the position of the manipulator arm (20). The invention also provides a printing machine (2) including such a transfer device (15), and to an associated method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Machines Dubuit
    Inventor: François Dumenil
  • Publication number: 20100126828
    Abstract: A conveyor includes at least one workpiece carrier, a drive provided for the workpiece carrier and defining a plane of conveyance; an inner guide and an outer guide having a curved outer guide section and defining a conveyor track for the workpiece carrier; the inner guide includes a curved inner guide section that is assigned to the curved outer guide section. The convexly curved inner guide section is situated such that it is offset radially inwardly relative to the curved outer guide section and opposite an imagined tangential extension of a first and a second straight inner guide section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventors: Marco Willi, Boris Buesing, Hans-Peter Buttau
  • Patent number: 7681720
    Abstract: The device for transporting containers comprises a cogged belt which extends along a ring-wound trajectory and is wound on at least a pair of cogged wheels which are rotatable on vertical axes, and a plurality of regularly distanced support means borne on the external surface of the cogged belt, which receive respective containers. The cogged belt bears a plurality of skates constrained to the internal surface thereof which engage with guide means that are solidly restrained to a fixed structure of the device, in order to constitute a lateral constraint which prevents transversal movements and deformation of the cogged belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2010
    Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 7628268
    Abstract: A device is provided for displacing gas turbines, especially during maintenance thereof. The device comprises several transporter platforms which are arranged behind each other. At least one gas turbine can be positioned on each of the transporter platforms. The or each gas turbine can be displaced by displacing the transporter platforms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: MTU Aero Engines GmbH
    Inventors: Peter-Max Mueller, Detlef Renner
  • Patent number: 7584837
    Abstract: A transport device having a preferably flat transport element and at least one basic carrier which is mounted on the basic carrier by rollers. At least one article carrier can be mounted. The transport element is driven stops along the transport element allow halting of at least some of the basic carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: Arzneimittel GmbH Apotheker Vetter & Co.
    Inventors: Manfred Roether, Franz Riedter
  • Patent number: 7497321
    Abstract: A conveyor system including a crank arm having a base end portion rotatably supported by a second support axle and a free end portion rotatably supporting a suspended supporting apparatus, and a swinging arm having a base end portion fixed to a first support axle and a front end portion coupled to an intermediate position of the crank arm. A movable bearing stand supporting the second support axle is provided to be movable toward and away from a fixed bearing stand supporting the first support axle. Further, a suspended section parallel link mechanism of a suspended supporting apparatus is so configured that a free end support axle is located above a line connecting suspension pins at both ends of an upper frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignees: Taikisha Ltd., Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Izuru Matsubara, Hisashi Kyotani
  • Publication number: 20080283370
    Abstract: This invention concerns a method and a corresponding apparatus for ordered supply of containers to an automatic machine, comprising following operating stages: preliminarily freely supplying containers into a plurality of trays borne by a first conveyor belt with vertical axis, in such a way as to create a single layer of loosely arranged containers in the trays with the longitudinal axis thereof oriented horizontally; subsequently detecting a position of each container of the single layer in the corresponding tray; picking up each container situated in the tray and subsequently releasing the container at a mouth of a relative inclined channel which is shaped such as to guide the container onto a corresponding underlying housing of a fixed plane, with the container resiting with a longitudinal axis thereof vertically arranged; subsequently translating a plurality of containers resting in the housings towards corresponding facing seatings associated to a second conveyor belt having a vertical axis; and finally
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe MONTI
  • Patent number: 7311193
    Abstract: A conveyor chain has a succession of longitudinally succeeding links, a respective entrainment lug projecting transversely outward from each link and formed with a latch seat and a plurality of identical entrainment elements. The entrainment elements each have a transversely outwardly projecting entrainment arm, a transversely inwardly open socket adapted to fit complementarily over a respective one of the lugs, a formation in the socket engageable in the seat of the respective one lug, and a longitudinally extending brace bearing transversely inward on at least one of the lugs adjacent the respective one lug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2007
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Fritz Fochler
  • Patent number: 7278536
    Abstract: A conveyor chain for poultry processing is formed of injection molded regular links in serially connected relationship, and has at intervals a special link adapted to receive a threaded stud for a chicken carcass-supporting cone or other structure. The special link has a base portion which is of preferably the same configuration as the regular links. Above this, integrally molded with the base portion, is a platform with laterally outwardly extending flanges for stability against tilting. A threaded boss extends up from the platform and has a threaded internal bore extending vertically, to receive a threaded stud. The threaded boss comprises a relatively light plastic cylinder and has regularly extending buttresses stabilizing it on the platform. The special link is integrally formed by injection molding of a suitable material such as acetal, and is light in weight and profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2007
    Assignee: Habasit AG
    Inventors: James J. Harrison, Joseph G. Gianfalla
  • Patent number: 7114616
    Abstract: The device (D) for removable fastening of seats (3) housing containers (C) to a metallic belt (1) includes first fastening means (10) made on the metallic belt (1) and aimed at being mutually coupled with second fastening means (34), made in the lower part of the seats (3) to position and lock the seats (3) to the belt (1). The device includes also supporting and sliding guides (4,5), facing each other and situated below and substantially orthogonal to eh metallic belt (1). The guides (4,5) are operated by operating means, between a first gripping configuration (P), in which they are vertical and constitute an abutment for the second fastening means (34), so as to define a fastening between the metallic belt (1) and the seats (3) for housing containers (C), and a second release configuration (R), in which at least one of the guides (4,5) is moved away from the second fastening means (34), so as to allow the seats (3) to be removed from the metallic belt (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: I.M.A.-Industria Macchine Automatiche, S.p.A.
    Inventors: Claudio Trebbi, Gabriele Gabusi
  • Patent number: 7059468
    Abstract: A production line for food products includes a plurality of apparatus modules (1) arranged one after the other, each module being arranged to perform at least one manufacturing stage of the food product. The production line includes a frame (2), which includes driving elements (3) for driving at least one apparatus module (1). At least one movable apparatus module (1) can be adapted to the driving elements (3) in the frame (2) such that the apparatus module (1) can be driven by the driving elements (1) in the frame (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2006
    Inventor: Mikael Jarvenkyla
  • Patent number: 6941640
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a miniature hard disc drive having a metal base plate, an actuator assembly wherein the actuator assembly comprises a plurality of bearings, a shaft, and a housing; a spindle motor assembly comprising a stator with conductors, a shaft, a plurality of bearings, and a rotor; and a monolithic body of phase change material unitizing said actuator assembly housing and stator to the base plate. Methods of developing and constructing the hard disc drive are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Encap Motor Corporation
    Inventors: Griffith D. Neal, Dennis K. Lieu
  • Patent number: 6814218
    Abstract: A conveying apparatus suitable for driving a number of carriers in such a manner that the front end of each carrier thrusts the rear end of the preceding carrier is provided. The conveying apparatus comprises a guide rail and carriers. The rail includes a U-turn path section. Each carrier includes a load bar assembly including at least three load bars connected end-to-end by vertical pivot shafts in such a manner that the bars can pivot horizontally relative to each other. Each carrier also includes a load support supported by the associated middle load bar. Each carrier further includes a front trolley supporting at least the front end load bar and a rear trolley supporting at least the rear end load bar. The trolleys are supported movably on and guided by the guide rail. The trolleys are fixed to and in parallel with the end load bars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Assignee: Daifuku Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shigeyoshi Nishihara
  • Patent number: 6736252
    Abstract: A work holder is provided for a through hole examination apparatus that reduces the generation of scrubbed-off metal powder caused by abrasion during the movements, and has a high operability. Also, it is an object to provide a work holder for a through hole examination apparatus that can readily adjust the holder to be parallel at low costs. A work holder 18 is provided for a through hole examination apparatus, which retains a workpiece having through holes provided therein and transfers the same between a work replacement operation region and a through hole examination region. A roller movement device 50 is mounted on the holder main body to enable a rolling movement thereof, and the roller movement device is made to be height-adjustable such that the parallel degree of the holder is adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Shirasaki
  • Patent number: 6644467
    Abstract: Track for drawing assembly and method to replace the gripping elements associated with said tracks, wherein the track comprises a plurality of links able to support at least part of at least one gripping element of a product to be drawn, each of the gripping elements being able to be selectively clamped in a housing seating by means of rapid attachment/detachment means, said rapid attachment/detachment means comprising at least a clamping element axially movable along an axis substantially orthogonal to the plane on which said gripping element lies, and an activation element axially movable and able to displace said clamping element from a first clamping position to a second position wherein said gripping element is released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: Danieli & C. Officine Meccaniche SpA
    Inventor: Bruno Chiuch
  • Publication number: 20030047429
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a conveyor system for transporting a workpiece. The conveyor system includes a drive assembly and a carrier plate. The drive assembly includes a frame, a drive belt, and a drive mechanism supported by the frame and engaging the drive belt. The carrier plate is adapted to support a workpiece and is disposed on the drive belt to move with the drive belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Publication date: March 13, 2003
    Applicant: Jervis B. Webb Company
    Inventors: Brian G. Stewart, John H. Jaynes
  • Patent number: 6491157
    Abstract: The toothed belt has a band-shaped belt body which carries integrally formed teeth on one side. At least one of the teeth is provided with two openings which extend from the crown surface of the associated tooth through the toothed belt to the other side of the belt body and accommodate a respective retaining element in the form of a sleeve. The sleeves serve to clamp object mountings against the surface of the toothed belt. They each have a head, which is constituted by two projecting wings which are diametrically opposed to one another. The sleeves have a sufficient screw-in length for fastening the object mountings. They are also secured against being pulled through the material of the toothed belt and are rotationally fixedly mounted. Finally, their ends projecting out of the surface serve as centering projections. The sleeves ensure that there is no weakening of the teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Breco Antriebstechnik Breher GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Rudi Kölling, Friedrich Sundermeier
  • Publication number: 20020139645
    Abstract: Machinery for automated manufacture of formed wire structures such as innerspring assemblies for mattresses and seating and flexible support structures includes one or more coil formation devices configurable to produce helical spring coils having a terminal convolution which extends beyond an end of the coil; a conveyor system having a plurality of flights slidably mounted upon a continuous track and connected to a chain and driven by an index driver, the flights being connected to a drive system which enables variable spacing between the flights so that the conveyor can be loaded with articles at one spacing interval and be unloaded at a different interval; a coil transfer machine which removes a row of coils from the conveyor and inserts the coils into an innerspring assembler; an innerspring assembler having first and second sets of coil-engaging dies in a parallel arrangement, each set of dies having an upper row positioned over a lower row, the dies being mounted upon carrier bars which are vertically t
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Thomas D. Haubert, Lawrence C. Bullen, K. Bryan Scott, Larry Schluer, Larry DeMoss, Joe Zhou
  • Patent number: 6386356
    Abstract: The invention relates to conveying means (1) which can be rail-guided and are provided for conveying especially flat products in a conveying direction (F). Said conveying means comprises a guiding part (2) which runs in a v-shaped manner in a conveying direction and constructs a three point support. In addition the conveying means comprises a supporting part (3) which is provided for holding the product and arranged in fixed manner on the guiding part (2). The conveying means also have a coupling part (4) which is arranged on a driving means (9) such that it can be coupled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Jürg Eberle
  • Patent number: 6176370
    Abstract: In an endless conveyor, a plurality of slats are positioned in a side-by-side relationship relative to one another, thereby defining a work supporting surface which in turn is carried by a frame. The slats are driven via at least one chain that includes a plurality of pins extending therefrom, each adapted to engage a bracket mounted to one of the slats. The chain is moved in response to commands issued from a controller, thereby causing the slats to move relative to the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Assignee: Gerber Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: John M. Davies