US3910402A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Routing and conveying apparatus
Assignee: Dean Research Corp
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Filing: 1973-03-12
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Granted: 1975-10-07
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Expires: 1993-03-12
Abstract
Abstract A device of the conveyor type for moving sheets of material, the device being of the type having an entry location and a plurality of output stations and comprising means for routing one or more of said sheets into a selected one of the output stations, said output stations being positioned along the sides of the device. If desired, a secondary device for separating sheets of material running two or more abreast is provided.
Inventors
- 👤 George A Dean
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 22:21
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G13/00; B65G13/08; B65G13/10; B65G49/00; B65G49/05; B65G49/06; B65G49/063; B65G49/064; B65G49/067
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
156 words
Apparatus for conveying and selectively routing one or more sheets of glass material comprising a plurality of modules each having a plurality of roll assemblies therein, each roll assembly having a plurality of rolls therein, each roll having a surface or portion of which extends upwardly from the roll assembly; and means for driving said rolls and for preventing bits of glass from interfering with the driving means comprising a shaft; a plurality of friction belt means mounted on said shaft and on each said roll assembly, said friction belt means being below the exposed surface of said roll, and means for providing driving power being external to said roll module; at least one output station positioned along a side of said device; and means for moving each of said roll assemblies through a preselected arc to change the direction of movement of said sheets to feed said sheets to said at least one output station.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
156 words
Apparatus for conveying and selectively routing one or more sheets of glass material comprising a plurality of modules each having a plurality of roll assemblies therein, each roll assembly having a plurality of rolls therein, each roll having a surface or portion of which extends upwardly from the roll assembly; and means for driving said rolls and for preventing bits of glass from interfering with the driving means comprising a shaft; a plurality of friction belt means mounted on said shaft and on each said roll assembly, said friction belt means being below the exposed surface of said roll, and means for providing driving power being external to said roll module; at least one output station positioned along a side of said device; and means for moving each of said roll assemblies through a preselected arc to change the direction of movement of said sheets to feed said sheets to said at least one output station.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
66 words
The device specified in claim 1 further comprising means for sensing the presence of a sheet at at least one selected location along said apparatus, and means for automatically activating said means for changing the direction of movement of said sheets when the presence of said sheet has been sensed, said means for sensing the presence of said sheet being connected to said automatic activating means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
96 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 comprising a plurality of roll assemblies mounted in each said module, each said roll assembly having a single roll mounted thereon, said means for changing the direction of movement of said sheets comprising a control unit, each said sensor being connected to said control unit, individual control means for each roll assembly connected for activation by said control means and mounted on said apparatus in a manner to cause said assembly to move to change the direction of movement of a sheet in response to a signal from said control unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said modules are closed rectangular conduits having a first plurality of openings for permitting the surface of said rolls to extend above the surface of said roll assemblies, and at least one additional opening for said shaft.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising means for moving each of said roll assemblies through a pre-selected arc to change the direction of movement of said sheets.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
54 words
Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said means for moving each of said roll assemblies through a pre-selected arc comprises a second shaft extending from the center of movement of said roll assemblies, and means for applying a force to said second shaft which in turn applies a moving torque to said roll assembly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said roll assembly comprises a clevis.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
73 words
Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means for changing the direction of movement of said sheets comprises a control unit, each said sensor being connected to said control unit, individual control means for each roll assembly connected for activation by said control means and mounted in a manner to cause said assembly to move to change the direction of movement of a sheet in response to a signal from said control unIt.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
67 words
Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said apparatus has a plurality of output stations placed along the periphery thereof and wherein said computer further comprises means for selectively activating a plurality of roll assemblies in accordance with the number of sheets which have previously been routed to a particular output station such that a sheet is routed to an output station which is not full to capacity.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said control unit comprises a computer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said control means comprises a solenoid having an extendable rod for applying a torque force to said assembly to cause said assembly to turn.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus according to claim 8 wherein said control means comprises an air cylinder having an extendable rod for applying a torque force to said assembly to cause said assembly to turn.
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) | 1978-10-06 | 1979-04-07 | 1979-10-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-06 | 1983-04-07 | 1983-10-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-06 | 1987-04-07 | 1987-10-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |