US3595374A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Collecting and elevating conveyor
Assignee: Condeco Automation Inc
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Filing: 1969-02-14
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Granted: 1971-07-27
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Expires: 1989-02-14
Abstract
Abstract The invention pertains to improvements in conveyors for carrying parts such as automobile valves. The invention eliminates the need for any special entrance or feeding apparatus to the conveyor. The conveyor configuration itself and the configuration of the parts provide for the proper acceptance of the parts into the conveyor. The invention also provides for a torque limiting drive incorporated with the conveyor such that in the event of a jam the conveyor automatically oscillates back and forth until the jammed part is released.
Inventors
- 👤 Homer G Whitfield
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 19:39
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23Q; B23Q7/00; B23Q7/08; B65; B65G; B65G19/00; B65G19/18; B65G19/28; B65G19/282
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
A collecting and distributing conveyor system comprising, an endless linear conveyor, part entrance means to said conveyor, sequential part guiding means leading to said part entrance means, a plurality of part accepting means on said conveyor, means attached to said conveyor between said part accepting means to prevent parts from entering said conveyor, and part exit means from said conveyor.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
60 words
A collecting and distributing conveyor system comprising, an endless linear conveyor, part entrance means to said conveyor, sequential part guiding means leading to said part entrance means, a plurality of part accepting means on said conveyor, means attached to said conveyor between said part accepting means to prevent parts from entering said conveyor, and part exit means from said conveyor.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
The conveyor system as set forth in claim 1 including part guiding rods substantially parallel to a portion of said endless conveyor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The conveyor system as set forth in claim 2 including part propelling elements attached to said conveyor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The conveyor system as set forth in claim 3 wherein said part propelling elements are laterally extending from said endless conveyor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The conveyor system as set forth in claim 4 wherein said part accepting means are gaps between said laterally extending elements attached to said endless conveyor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
The conveyor system as set forth in claim 4 wherein said means to prevent parts from entering are the end surfaces of said laterally extending elements attached to said endless conveyor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The conveyor system as set forth in claim 5 wherein a part in said gap prevents the acceptance of a second part in said gap.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
A conveyor system as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said part accepting means is limited to a size which will accept only one part.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
The conveyor system as set forth in claim 1 wherein a part in a part accepting means prevents the acceptance of a second part in the same particular accepting means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
The conveyor system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said entrance means includes space for a variable accumulation of parts awaiting an empty part accepting means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
48 words
The conveyor system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conveyor system includes a conveyor drive train and a torque limiting means in the conveyor drive train to provide intermittent oscillation of said endless conveyor at torque levels above a prescribed setting of said torque limiting means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The conveyor system as set forth in claim 11 wherein said torque limiting means includes a ratcheting-type coupling.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
17 words
The conveyor system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conveyor system incorporates an inclined portion.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
23 words
The conveyor system as set forth in claim 13 wherein said exit means includes at least one exit switch on said inclined portion.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The conveyor system as set forth in claim 13 wherein said conveyor system incorporates a substantially abrupt change from a horizontal portion to said inclined portion.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
21 words
The conveyor system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said conveyor system incorporates an inclined portion between substantially horizontal portions.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
27 words
The conveyor system as set forth in claim 16 wherein said exit means includes at least one exit switch on said horizontal portion subsequent said inclined portion.
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) | 1974-07-26 | 1975-01-25 | 1975-07-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-26 | 1979-01-25 | 1979-07-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-26 | 1983-01-25 | 1983-07-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |