Recycling Load In A Closed Path Patents (Class 198/580)
  • Patent number: 11982485
    Abstract: An automated three-dimensional refrigerated warehouse for a meat industry is provided. A refrigerated warehouse body is provided with two groups of chain wheels, a chain is sleeved on each group of chain wheels, and a plurality of mounting blocks are uniformly mounted on the chain. The mounting blocks are connected to suspension rods, a supporting table is connected between bottom ends of the suspension rods, an opening is provided in a middle of the supporting table, and a loading cart is placed on the supporting table. The refrigerated warehouse body is connected to two supporting plates, a first electric push rod is arranged above each of the two supporting plates, and top ends of the two first electric push rods are provided with mounting plates. Top ends of the two mounting plates are provided with a horizontal second electric push rod and a horizontal third electric push rod respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: HEFEI POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Baocai Xu, Zhaoming Wang, Yong Xie, Hui Zhou, Yuanbo Hu
  • Patent number: 10960689
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a novel device and method for accurately transporting printable substrates suitable for substrates of various types, sizes and thicknesses. In addition, the invention is suitable for printing machines without contact with the substrate, such as inkjet printing machines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignees: MGI DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY, INKJET ENGINE TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Edmond Abergel, Louis Gautier Le Boulch
  • Patent number: 9999170
    Abstract: Electronic component mounting method for mounting an electronic component on a plurality of board types includes: placing, on tray holding shelves, trays storing components for first and second board types, respectively; recognizing on which tray holding shelf the tray is placed by reading identification information from the trays. The method further includes: rearranging the trays in the tray feeder to a first tray arrangement adapted for the first board type, based on recognized placement position of the tray and the first tray arrangement data, before start of production of the board of the first board type; and rearranging the trays in the tray feeder to a second tray arrangement adapted for the second board type, based on the second tray arrangement data, before start of production of the board of the second board type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2018
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Isato Iwata, Takuya Yamazaki, Hirokazu Takehara, Hiraki Sagara
  • Patent number: 9902567
    Abstract: A material handling system includes a belted conveyor that longitudinally transports low profile articles. An actuating mechanism selectively positions a counter rotating cylindrical roller brush diagonal across the conveyor surface to divert the low profile articles to a lateral destination off a side of the belted conveyor and can position the cylindrical roller brush away the belted conveyor to allow the low profile articles to transport to a longitudinal destination at a terminal end of the belted conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Intelligrated Headquarters, LLC
    Inventors: Justin J. Zimmer, David E. Franklin, Jacob D. Wieneke, William M. Saurber, III
  • Patent number: 9422122
    Abstract: A method for loading the hold of an ore carrier with loose ore, according to which the hold is loaded, consecutively, with a portion of the ore treated with a superabsorbent polymer and a portion of the ore not treated with a superabsorbent polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2016
    Assignee: S.P.C.M. SA
    Inventors: René Pich, Pascal Boehm, Gilles Zakosek
  • Patent number: 9022204
    Abstract: A manufacturing system includes a first conveyer apparatus, a second conveyer apparatus and a manufacturing apparatus. The first conveyer apparatus has a first conveyer unit and a first elevator unit. The first elevator unit is adapted to drive the first conveyer unit to move upward or downward between first and second positions. The second conveyer apparatus has a second conveyer unit and a second elevator unit. The second elevator unit is adapted to drive the second conveyer unit to move upward or downward between third and fourth positions. The manufacturing apparatus disposed between the first and second conveyer apparatuses has a manufacturing unit, a third conveyer unit and a fourth conveyer unit. A conveying path of the third conveyer unit passes through the manufacturing unit. The first and third positions are aligned to the third conveyer unit. The second and fourth positions are aligned to the third conveyer unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Chun-Kai Wang, Hsueh-Yen Lai, Xin-Hua Wang
  • Patent number: 8997969
    Abstract: A production cell for automated processing of workpieces has a protective fence and, arranged therein, at least one production device, for example a bending press, and at least one handling device. A workpiece transfer device for part carriers or workpieces is arranged in the production cell which workpiece transfer device forms a supply position and a delivery position. Here, a delivery device of the workpiece transfer device forms a first delivery path and a second delivery path which extends parallel to the former, wherein, furthermore, a conveyor for optional transfer of a part carrier between the delivery paths is provided on an actuating device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: TRUMPF Maschinen Austria GmbH & Co. KG.
    Inventor: Juergen Plakolm
  • Publication number: 20140157748
    Abstract: An accumulating method comprising conveying crop material on a rotating first conveyor past a screed toward a baler while the baler is traversing a field, the screed configured in a raised position; and obstructing the flow of the crop material to the baler by lowering the screed while the first conveyor is rotating, the obstructing implemented while the baler continues traversing the field.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2013
    Publication date: June 12, 2014
    Applicant: AGCO Corporation
    Inventors: Brian D. Olander, Jared W. Kinder, Charlie O. James
  • Patent number: 8549866
    Abstract: A cooling tunnel includes an infeed port for feeding objects, a discharge port for discharging objects, successive treatment stations for treating the objects with a cooling medium, and a conveyor system for transporting the objects to be cooled from the infeed port to the discharge port, with the conveyor system travelling through the individual treatment stations. The conveyor system has a first section running through several treatment stations, the first section extending from the infeed port to a turnaround station, a second section running through several treatment stations, the second section extending from the turnaround station to the discharge port, as well as a return section, which is arranged before the discharge port and connects a discharge-side zone of the second section with an infeed-side zone of the first section, to selectively either discharge objects or to cool them further. A method for operating a cooling tunnel is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: airinotec GmbH
    Inventor: Stefan Hummrich
  • Patent number: 8528717
    Abstract: A printing apparatus including a pallet configured to receive a print substrate, a conveyer system configured to convey the pallet, and a plurality of work mechanisms arranged along a pallet conveying direction of the conveyer system. The work mechanisms are configured to conduct processing operations to the print substrate. The conveyer system includes an upper conveyer mechanism configured to sequentially convey the pallet to respective working positions of the work mechanisms, and a lower conveyer mechanism arranged below and along the upper conveyer mechanism. The lower conveyer mechanism is configured to convey the pallet in a direction opposite to the pallet conveying direction of the upper conveyer mechanism so that the conveyer system is structured to have an upper stage and a lower stage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignees: Mimaki Engineering Co., Ltd., Wiztec Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukio Ando, Masahiro Hayashi
  • Patent number: 8474595
    Abstract: A system for screening carry-on baggage and other items carried by individuals is provided that includes a screening device, especially an X-ray screening device, a conveyor for conveying the items to be screened through the screening device, a support surface arranged upstream of the conveyor, a removal position for the items, arranged downstream of the conveyor, transport trays that are to be placed on the conveyor and in which small objects and items of clothing can be placed and conveyed through the screening device for screening, and a return conveyor for the empty transport trays. The return conveyor leads to a tray lift, the exit of which leads to a tray transfer path extending in parallel to the support surface, the transfer path tapering towards the support surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Smiths Heimann GmbH
    Inventors: Matthias Crass, Sebastian Haak
  • Patent number: 8322518
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for recirculating articles on a belt conveyor. An article-recirculation path is formed in a pair of parallel conveyor belts running continuously in opposite directions. Article-supporting rollers in each belt rotate to transfer articles from one belt to the other in a transfer region at each end of the conveyor to form an endless recirculation path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jonathan Ball
  • Patent number: 8303233
    Abstract: The storage and retrieval system includes a frame having at least two columns adjacent to one another. A track is disposed in each column, each track being generally parallel to one another. A plurality of storage units reside and move within the tracks. An actuator coupled to the frame displaces the storage units in the columns and a pair of conveyors move the storage units between columns to permit sequential clockwise or counterclockwise movement of the plurality of storage units within the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Worthwhile Products
    Inventor: Stanley B. Solomon
  • Publication number: 20120160638
    Abstract: A checkpoint system, wheeled bins for a checkpoint system, and methods for conveying articles in wheeled bins through a checkpoint system. Each bin has four wheels that do not extend below the bin's flat bottom. In this way, the bin can be slid on its bottom along a shallow, troughed divesting table while it is being filled and conveyed on its bottom through a checkpoint and rolled on its wheels along a deeper troughed discharge lane. A bin return beneath the discharge lane returns bins to a bin storage queue beneath the divesting table. A sorter at the output of the checkpoint selectively diverts bins to one or more discharge lanes, such as individual lanes for cleared and for suspect bin contents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: LAITRAM, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Andrew N. Baker, Matthew L. Fourney
  • Patent number: 8172074
    Abstract: A conveyor system includes a kitting conveyor subsystem arranged to transport kits to a washing station, a washing conveyor subsystem arranged to receive kits from a kitting conveyor subsystem and to transport washed kits towards an assembly station, and an assembly conveyor subsystem to receive washed kits from the washing conveyor subsystem and transport the kits to an assembly station, wherein the kits traverse the system from the kitting conveyor subsystem to the assembly station automatically without human intervention. A self-adjusting conveyor includes a table top containing a conveyor belt, legs arranged to support the table top, an adjustment fixture arranged to adjust the table top to a working height, and a controller to return the table top to a home height upon activation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Constance Jones, Edwin G. Kepler, Matthew Ferguson
  • Patent number: 8136652
    Abstract: A processing station for a processing line, having a module platform (12) and a plurality of withdrawable modules (14) that can be introduced into it has a transporting device (40, 42) for transporting workpieces (59) to be processed at the processing station (10). According to the invention, the transporting device (40, 42) includes a plurality of part-transporting devices (43), and one part-transporting device (43) is associated with each withdrawable module (14) and is solidly connected to the withdrawable module (14). Moreover, at least some of the part-transporting devices 43 include a first transportation path (40), which is embodied for transporting a workpiece (56) essentially over the width of the withdrawable module (14) in a first transporting direction (T1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Karl Hinderer, Paul Skljarow, Wolfram Baier, Karl-Heinz Jaeger, Stefan Pfeiffer, Frank Westphal, Joachim Frangen, Peter Schlaich, Frank Benkert, Ka-Jin Teoh, Boris Buesing
  • Publication number: 20110253507
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for recirculating articles on a belt conveyor. An article-recirculation path is formed in a pair of parallel conveyor belts running continuously in opposite directions. Article-supporting rollers in each belt rotate to transfer articles from one belt to the other in a transfer region at each end of the conveyor to form an endless recirculation path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Applicant: LAITRAM, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Jonathan Ball
  • Patent number: 8037994
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus or system for sorting non-sorted containers in a predetermined sequence in an order-picking system includes a main conveying track by means of which the non-sorted containers are transported within the order-picking system, in particular to an order-picking workstation or into a container store, in a main conveying direction. The apparatus includes a conveying-track circuit, which can be connected to the main conveying track via an introduction point, for introducing containers into the conveying-track circuit, and via a discharge point, for discharging containers which are located in the conveying-track circuit. At least one transfer device is arranged within the conveying-track circuit such that containers can be exchanged between a first exchange point and a second exchange point of the conveying-track circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: SSI Schaefer Peem GmbH
    Inventor: Gerhard Schaefer
  • Patent number: 7980382
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for uniformly filling a relatively large container (5) with relatively delicate products, wherein the products are supplied at a first level using a feed conveyor (17), and these products are transferred by means of a guiding device which guides the products in restrained manner from the first level to a second level, wherein at the second level the products are released into a distributing device (3) for distribution in the container. The invention further relates to a guiding device (2) for guiding products from a feed conveyor, comprising: —at least one transfer member (11) comprising means for receiving the products at a speed which can be adjusted to the speed of the feed conveyor, —a guide member (12) which is arranged substantially along a part of the outside of the transfer member for guiding the products in the transfer member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: De Greef's Wagen-, Carrosserie- en Machinebouw B.V.
    Inventor: Jacob Hendrik De Greef
  • Patent number: 7954627
    Abstract: A bin transporter system is used for moving bins or trays from the exit end of a security checkpoint conveyor to the entrance end of the conveyor. The system includes one or more support stands and a roller assembly attached to the stands. The roller assembly includes an elongate bin guide and roller conveyors attached to the inside of the bin guide. The roller assembly is held in a longitudinally inclined orientation, for gravity-actuated movement of the bin along the bin guide, as facilitated by the roller conveyors. Additionally, when bins are placed in the bin guide against the roller conveyors for movement along the bin guide, the bins lie at a laterally tilted orientation, either generally horizontally or generally vertically. This prevents the bins from falling out the front of the roller assembly, in cases where the bin guide has an open front portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: BTSystems, LLC
    Inventors: Brian C. Weed, Steven D. Weed, Allan D. Weed
  • Patent number: 7870945
    Abstract: A method for sorting objects using a continuous loop conveyor sorting system having two or more feeders. In one embodiment, the method includes sorting a batch of objects to form a first group of objects and a second group of objects, using a first feeder to feed all of the objects from the first group onto the conveyor, using a second feeder to feed all of the objects from the second group onto the conveyor, removing the objects from the first group from the conveyor prior to the any of the objects reaching the point at which the second feeder feeds objects onto the conveyor, and removing the objects from the second group from the conveyor prior to the any of the objects reaching the point at which the first feeder feeds objects onto the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2011
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventor: Daryl S. Mileaf
  • Patent number: 7850411
    Abstract: A storage and retrieval system includes a continuous track and a plurality of individual storage units stacked in multiple columns or rows. Each storage unit includes wheels for engaging the continuous track for selective movement along the track. A conveyor apparatus is used to selectively move the storage units along the length of the continuous track between uppermost positions of adjacent columns, so as to support the storage unit as the storage unit passes gaps in the upper rail due to intermediate vertical rails extending downwardly intermediate ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Worthwhile Products
    Inventor: Stanley B. Solomon
  • Patent number: 7837424
    Abstract: A storage and retrieval system includes a continuous track and a plurality of individual storage units stacked in multiple columns or rows. Each storage unit is engaged with the track for selective movement along the track. Each storage unit includes two sets of wheels, a first set of wheels for engaging the continuous track, and a second set of wheels for engaging support rails disposed above an upper rail of first and second tracks of the continuous track, so as to support the storage unit as the storage unit passes gaps in the upper rail due to intermediate vertical rails extending downwardly intermediate ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Worthwhile Products
    Inventor: Stanley B. Solomon
  • Patent number: 7798305
    Abstract: Rack (1) for the dynamic warehousing of goods boxed in containers (S), of the type including at least one bidirectional conveyor device (2) for the containers (S); and at least some means of inversion (4 and 4a) of the movement and connection of conveyor devices (2), the means (4) of inversion of the movement (4) being fitted with variable-geometry guiding means (6), movable between an open operating position (A) and a closed position (B); the means (4) of inversion of the movement including at least one rotating disc (12) capable of transporting the containers (5) along a substantially semicircular path corresponding to the closed operating position (B).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: JBC S.R.L.
    Inventor: Marco Camelli
  • Patent number: 7798316
    Abstract: A system for handling vehicle frames. The system includes a conveyor assembly including a loading end and an unloading end, and the conveyor assembly carries a plurality of vehicle frames thereon. The system also includes a frame transfer assembly disposed at the unloading end of the conveyor assembly. The frame transfer assembly may be adapted to grasp a vehicle frame from the conveyor assembly and transfer the vehicle frame from the conveyor assembly. A vehicle frame inversion system is also provided that includes a first robotic inversion device that may include a first clamping system, and a second robotic inversion device that may include a second clamping system. The first and second clamping systems are adapted to grasp a vehicle frame, and the first and second robotic inversion devices are adapted to lift and invert the vehicle frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Chrysler Group LLC
    Inventors: James G. Powers, Allan C. McNear, Ronald M. Laux, Robert A. Florian, Paramjit S. Girn
  • Patent number: 7743906
    Abstract: A conveying and orienting system for handling eggs including a main conveyor for supporting thereupon a plurality of eggs and for segregating the same into individual file lines prior to delivery to a spool bar conveyor for subsequent egg handling operations. One or more return conveyors are positioned alongside the main conveyor and communicate with the main conveyor at first and second end locations. A control mechanism independently adjusts a travel speed of at least one of the main and return conveyors, this in order to redirect, along the return conveyors for reintroduction onto upstream locations of the main conveyor, a plurality of eggs which exceed of the present handling capabilities of the individual segregating lanes and spool bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: FPS Food Processing Systems, B.V.
    Inventor: Anthony Accettura
  • Patent number: 7686154
    Abstract: In order to check hand luggage and other objects carried by persons, control stations are needed, which have a control unit, in particular an X-ray checking unit, a conveyor which extends through the control unit, a depositing point which is arranged ahead of the conveyor, and a removal point which is arranged behind the conveyor, for the objects and having transport tubs which can be placed onto the conveyor. Small objects and items of clothing are placed in the transport tubs and conveyed through the control unit for checking. A return conveyor for the transport tubs is arranged next to or below the conveyor which passes through the control unit, which return conveyor reaches from the removal point behind the conveyor at least as far as into the region of the depositing point ahead of the conveyor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Smiths Heimann GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Henkel, Harald Jentsch, Helmut Thoma
  • Patent number: 7597187
    Abstract: A conveyor system has an elongated guide defining a closed transport path extending through a plurality of treatment stations and a plurality of carriers movable on the guide along the path and each capable of holding a respective workpiece. At least one magnet is provided on each carrier, and an annular row of individually energizeable electromagnets extends along the path and is capable of exerting force on the magnets of the carriers so as to displace the respective carriers along the path. A plurality of sensors spaced along the path detect the carriers and generate outputs indicating positions and movement of the carriers along the path. At least some of the electromagnets at least intermittently form some of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: KBA-Metronic AG
    Inventors: Alfred Bausenwein, Peter Schmitt
  • Patent number: 7441645
    Abstract: An accumulation table is disclosed. The accumulation table includes a frame, a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and an adjustable discharge chute. Each conveyor has a U-shaped product carrying section on the top of the frame and an arcuate return section located on the bottom of the frame. Some embodiments further include non-linear tracks located between two conveyor chains to direct one of the conveyor chains towards the adjustable discharge chute. The accumulation table can be formed with three or more aligned modular sections, two arcuate sections, and one or more intermediate, straight center sections. Tracks located on each section are aligned to form the complete accumulation table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Garvey Corporation
    Inventors: Claude G. Paquin, Daniel E. Brzeszkiewicz
  • Patent number: 7380651
    Abstract: An order merging system includes two first case guides with a pair of twisted lanes. The case guides are downwardly sloped and guide a product case along in each case guide. Two raisable guides are connected downstream of the case guides and are in communication with them. Two other case guides in communication with the raisable guides, which are lowered to allow the product cases from the first case guides to merge onto the other case guides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Inventors: Dan Lafontaine, Howard Geniele
  • Patent number: 7322459
    Abstract: A product conveying and accumulation system and method employs a primary product transporting conveyor with accumulation and re-circulating sections. The conveyor is configured to receive products from an upstream destination and discharge products to a downstream destination. A second conveyor, operable at a considerable slower speed than the first conveyor, is located in the same transverse plane as and is aligned adjacent to the first conveyor. Both conveyors travel in the same direction at the adjacent alignment. As products are discharged from the system, a wall of product is formed on the slower moving conveyor. As a result, products on the inner lane of the faster moving conveyor which would otherwise tend to move inward towards the discharge point, causing product turbulence and disruption, are urged back onto the inner lane by the product wall and then smoothly discharged from the system to the downstream destination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Garvey Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C. Garvey
  • Patent number: 7308757
    Abstract: An intermediate product manufacturing apparatus for carrying intermediate products and processing the intermediate products with a plurality of processing apparatuses is provided, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of carrying means for carrying the intermediate products to the processing apparatuses; a common processing apparatus provided between the plurality of carrying means, for carrying out a common process on the intermediate products carried by the carrying means; and intermediate product transfer sections provided between the plurality of carrying means, for transferring the intermediate products between the common processing apparatus and the carrying means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventors: Keiji Fukuhara, Yasutsugu Aoki, Yoshitake Kobayashi, Hisashi Fujimura
  • Patent number: 7306088
    Abstract: An assembly plant, in particular for assembling motor vehicles, which permits design of final assembly of motor vehicles so that it is as flexible as possible in terms of space. A central elongated assembly hall is provided in which essentially automated assembly regions are provided and finger-like partial regions having essentially manual workplaces are provided projecting at a right angle from the longitudinal side. A change in the sequence in the manual regions can be accomplished easily by an extension of the finger-like partial regions at the head end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Fenzl, Gerd Schlage, Jan Knau
  • Patent number: 7306089
    Abstract: The invention relates to conveyor systems with skillets adapted with connectors to enable power to be conveyed between skillets that are abutted together along a production area. With the skillets being electrically connected, the conductor only needs to supply power the electrical receiving device of a single skillet at any given time. The conductor in turn can be limited to a length of about one skillet, which reduces the wear, as well as installation, repair and maintenance costs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Jervis B. Webb Company
    Inventor: Dan Ellens
  • Patent number: 7303060
    Abstract: A material conveying system without dust rising, having a plurality of trays; a transmission mechanism, for carrying the trays and transmitting the trays in motion; and a controller, for controlling the transmission mechanism, is characterized in that the material conveying system without dust rising further has a tank, which carries a liquid, where the transmission mechanism is immersed so that the dust resulting from abrasion of the transmission mechanism cannot float in the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2007
    Assignee: Chicony Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chih-Ching Chen
  • Patent number: 7252186
    Abstract: An accumulation table is disclosed. The accumulation table includes a frame, a first conveyor, a second conveyor, and an adjustable discharge chute. Each conveyor has a U-shaped product carrying section on the top of the frame and an arcuate return section located on the bottom of the frame. Some embodiments further include non-linear tracks located between two conveyor chains to direct one of the conveyor chains towards the adjustable discharge chute.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Garvey Corporation
    Inventors: Claude G. Paquin, Daniel E. Brzeskiewicz, Lasierk Williams
  • Patent number: 7222718
    Abstract: A conveyor system transports a multiplicity of product items from an input portion to an output portion and is provided with a first conveyor that transports the product items from the input portion to a distal turnaround region. A second conveyor transports the product items from the distal turnaround region to a redistribution region. A first product transfer arrangement urges the product items from the first conveyor to the second conveyor. A plurality of exit conveyors are arranged to be parallel to each other for transporting the product items from the redistribution region to a product exit region located at the output portion, and are arranged to transport the product items at a respectively associated rates of transport. A product redistribution arrangement directs the product items to respective input ends of the plurality of exit conveyors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Nedco Conveyor Company
    Inventor: Curtis S. Tarlton
  • Patent number: 7168905
    Abstract: A storage and retrieval system includes a plurality of individual storage units stacked in multiple columns. Each storage unit includes wheels which engage a track for selective movement along the track. Vertical and horizontal actuators are used to move the storage units in sequence. Preferably, the actuators are power-driven, and control circuitry is used to coordinate the movement of the actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Worthwhile products
    Inventors: Stanley B. Solomon, Tsuneo Shishido, Burton Barnett
  • Patent number: 7090068
    Abstract: It is the pallet conveying mechanism to move a pallet P arrived at an end point 17b of a friction conveyer FC2 to a starting point 7a of a friction conveyer FC1 in just as it is the direction without turning. The pallet conveying mechanism is comprised of rollers 34 having a flange portion 34a to contact with the pallet P by arranging along a main frame 31 provided so as to connect the friction conveyer FC 1 and FC 2 with each other and a drive mechanism 35 for driving rollers 34.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kenichi Matsuo
  • Patent number: 6935489
    Abstract: In circulating type food and drink transport apparatus (EQU), a plurality of plates (5A) is located on a circular link chain (4) including a chain driving section (DV) and a chain driven section (FR) with a predetermined clearance. The circular link chain is guided and carried by a traveling lane (1). The lower portion of the traveling lane is closed using a substantially U-shaped receiver (9). The chain driving section and the chain driven section are movable in accordance with a manual operation. The link chain is loosened, and thereby, the traveling lane (1) is securely cleaned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: System Create Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiaki Kawasaki
  • Patent number: 6860379
    Abstract: A component discharge portion is provided on the upper end of a non-end delivery belt having an upward inclined delivery surface and driven and rotated, and a component delivery path is connected to a component discharge portion and delivers a component in a predetermined attitude to the lower end side of the delivery belt. A component transfer portion for receiving the component delivered along the delivery path and for transferring the component to a next step with a constant directivity is provided on the downstream end side of the component delivery path. Furthermore, there is formed a component return path for coupling the downstream end of the component delivery path and the lower end delivery surface of the delivery belt. The component delivered in an abnormal attitude other than the component transferred to the next step is automatically returned to the delivery belt through the component return path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: YKK Corporation
    Inventors: Yasuhiko Matsuda, Hiroki Shibata, Koji Takashima
  • Patent number: 6845862
    Abstract: A conveyor system for use in combination with a portable sawmill that generally includes an upper frame assembly, a lower frame assembly, an outgoing belt mounted on the upper frame assembly, and an incoming belt mounted on the lower frame assembly. A motor and gear assembly operably coupled to the outgoing and incoming belts drive them in opposing directions. A portable sawmill blade may be positioned in spaced relation above the outgoing belt to cut wooden cants into individual boards, and the lower frame assembly is adapted to carry the remaining cant and processed board back towards an operator station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Inventors: Mark P. Southwick, Paul M. Southwick
  • Patent number: 6814221
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for transfer of various objects along a multi-level conveyor in a number of pallets, which are transported between levels by two elevators simultaneously going up or down on each end of the conveyor. Since there are two elevators and several conveying levels, it is possible to change the path of movement of pallets along the conveyor, thus, providing control over the path and number of cycles the objects spend on the conveyor. Hence, such configuration allows to change position of one pallet relative to another. Present invention significantly minimizes the size of conveyor systems as well as it allows to manipulate the amount of time each pallet spends inside the system. Furthermore, since each pallet moves one step at a time different technological processes (i.e. loading/unloading, testing, measuring etc.) can be done with products when pallets are stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventor: Serguei Goussev
  • Publication number: 20040188225
    Abstract: A conveyor system for use in combination with a portable sawmill that generally includes an upper frame assembly, a lower frame assembly, an outgoing belt mounted on the upper frame assembly, and an incoming belt mounted on the lower frame assembly. A motor and gear assembly operably coupled to the outgoing and incoming belts drive them in opposing directions. A portable sawmill blade may be positioned in spaced relation above the outgoing belt to cut wooden cants into individual boards, and the lower frame assembly is adapted to carry the remaining cant and processed board back towards an operator station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Mark P. Southwick, Paul M. Southwick
  • Patent number: 6784391
    Abstract: A shipment sorting system is provided. The system comprises a plurality of inflow lines each thereof conveys cargoes each containing articles to be shipped; a plurality of first buffer lines each thereof includes a first loop storage line for circulating and storing cargoes transferred from the inflow lines and a plurality of first straight storage lines for storing cargoes; a second buffer line including a second loop storage line connected to output ends of the first straight storage lines for circulating and storing cargoes, a plurality of second straight storage lines, and a plurality of return lines for returning excess unit cargoes in one of the second straight storage lines which is fill of unit cargoes to another second straight storage line; and a shipment sorting area for sorting cargoes transferred from the second straight storage lines to the plurality of shoot lines by sorters according to different shipment requirements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Chiyuki Takizawa
  • Patent number: 6739827
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for using a resultant field of force such as gravity operating on a constrained agglomeration of a flowable granular material, produces a useful force which can serve to move an article along a predetermined path. The process and apparatus may involve elevating the article, moving it along a horizontal path or lowering the article.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2004
    Inventor: William J. Spry
  • Patent number: 6690996
    Abstract: For allowing a reduction in the processing capacity to be accommodated without a delay in a system, in which articles are supplied and transferred to an article processing device (8) from an article delivering device (4) in a regularly clock-cycled supply stream, articles are not transferred to the article processing device when there is no processing capacity. Instead, they are conveyed onwards along a return track (9) and are re-introduced into the supply stream at a return point (6) upstream of the transfer point (7). For each re-introduction of a returned article into the supply stream, a gap is produced in the supply stream in a gap formation point (5) upstream of the return point (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Ferag AG
    Inventor: Rico Seiler
  • Patent number: 6648124
    Abstract: A continuous product conveyor system of loop configuration is provided to receive products from an upstream destination in a given product delivery path arrangement and to deliver those products to a downstream destination in a different product delivery path arrangement. The system is adapted, for example, to deliver a single file product path from an upstream destination and deliver multiple delivery paths downstream. The system also can be used to receive multiple product delivery paths from an upstream destination and deliver a single file product path or a different number of product paths downstream. The system can further be used for receiving mass product flow and delivering one or more product delivery paths downstream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Garvey Corporation
    Inventor: Mark C. Garvey
  • Patent number: 6640962
    Abstract: An interlocking transfer system includes a workstation having four or more sides, each of which is positioned at 90° angles from the next adjacent side. A cam lift assembly is provided on each of the sides and a means for moving the pallets horizontally. The cam lift assembly is actuated by a reciprocating cylinder which operates to lift and lower the pallets. While pallets are lifted, they are also advanced horizontally using either an external reciprocating cylinder, a motor or by hand. The interlocking transfer system of the present invention provides high efficiency and low transfer rate. It also eliminates the need for lift and locate devices, transfer space due to traffic control, and end-to-end cross transfers. The interlocking transfer system of the present invention also provides for interchangeable fixtures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventor: Jerral Richardson
  • Patent number: 6626282
    Abstract: A transfer line (L) is formed by a first conveyer (C1) and a second conveyer (C2) which are disposed in parallel to each other for transferring a pallet, a first traverser (T1) for transporting the pallet (P) from a terminal end of the first conveyer (C1) to a start end of the second conveyer (C2), and a second traverser (T2) for transporting the pallet (P) from a terminal end of the second conveyer (C2) to a start end of the first conveyer (C1). The first and second conveyers (C1 and C2) are operable to drive main drive rollers (22) provided at start ends of the conveyers by bringing the rollers into abutment against side surfaces of rearmost pallets (P) in the advancing direction, thereby urging and collectively driving a plurality of pallets (P) which are connected together forwardly of the rearmost pallets (P) in a state in contact with the rearmost pallets. This enables the length of the transfer line (L) to be changed as desired without modification of a drive device for the pallet (P).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Nishizawa, Masami Mitsuhashi, Keiichi Kubota, Kouichi Ikeda, Hideo Murakami