US3583551A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Seals for conveyors supported on gas cushions
Assignee: HEWITT-ROBINS CORP
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Filing: 1968-06-25
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Granted: 1971-06-08
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Expires: 1988-06-25
Abstract
Abstract A sealing arrangement for a conveyor belt of the kind which is supported on a cushion of air. The seal is of a nature that its effectiveness is a function of the air pressure developed to support the belt.
Inventors
- 👤 Leonard S Barnish
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 02:02
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G15/00; B65G15/60; B65G2201/00; B65G2201/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
122 words
In a sealing arrangement for a conveyor system including an endless conveyor belt, a trough of substantially rigid construction disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor belt and directly underlying same, and means for supplying gas under pressure to the trough for at least partially supporting the conveyor belt, the improvement comprising: inwardly curving sidewall top zones for the trough of resiliently flexible material, the sidewall top zones having inwardly projecting, opposing ends that are spaced apart from each other at all times, the sidewall top zones being adapted to support the portions of the conveyor belt near the edges thereof and form lip seals therewith, the effectiveness of which is a function of the gas pressure within the trough.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
122 words
In a sealing arrangement for a conveyor system including an endless conveyor belt, a trough of substantially rigid construction disposed parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor belt and directly underlying same, and means for supplying gas under pressure to the trough for at least partially supporting the conveyor belt, the improvement comprising: inwardly curving sidewall top zones for the trough of resiliently flexible material, the sidewall top zones having inwardly projecting, opposing ends that are spaced apart from each other at all times, the sidewall top zones being adapted to support the portions of the conveyor belt near the edges thereof and form lip seals therewith, the effectiveness of which is a function of the gas pressure within the trough.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The sealing arrangement claimed in claim 1 wherein the inwardly curving sidewall top zones are flaps of rubberlike like material anchored to the trough sidewalls and bent inwardly when a load is imposed upon them by the conveyor belt.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The sealing arrangement claimed in claim 1 wherein the portions of the conveyor belt near the edges thereof are bent downwardly and inwardly to form channels adapted to rest upon the summits of the inwardly curving sidewall top zones.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
81 words
In a conveyor system including an endless conveyor belt, a contrained trough underlying the belt, and means for supplying a supporting cushion of gas to the trough, an improved sealing arrangement comprising: resiliently flexible top zones on the sidewalls of the trough having inwardly projecting, opposing ends that are spaced apart from each other at all times, the top zones on said sidewalls being adapted, when bent downwardly, to mate with adjacent edges of the belt to form lip seals therewith.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
81 words
In a conveyor system including an endless conveyor belt, a contrained trough underlying the belt, and means for supplying a supporting cushion of gas to the trough, an improved sealing arrangement comprising: resiliently flexible top zones on the sidewalls of the trough having inwardly projecting, opposing ends that are spaced apart from each other at all times, the top zones on said sidewalls being adapted, when bent downwardly, to mate with adjacent edges of the belt to form lip seals therewith.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-06-07 | 1974-12-07 | 1975-06-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-06-07 | 1978-12-07 | 1979-06-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-06-07 | 1982-12-07 | 1983-06-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |