US4236631A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Conveyor unit
Assignee: Lucas Electrical Co Ltd
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Filing: 1976-10-19
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Granted: 1980-12-02
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Expires: 1996-10-19
Abstract
Abstract A conveyor unit comprises a conveyor carried by a movable support, which support also carries a conveyor drive. The conveyor drive is provided with a control including a light source and a detector cell for sensing the presence of an article on a predetermined region of the conveyor, and the conveyor drive is started and stopped in accordance with signals from the detector cell. A location bar which extends around the conveyor is used for connecting the conveyor unit with another such unit at either end or at the side thereof. The support also carries a services conduit which has an outlet enabling electrical power supply to be provided for the conveyor drive. The services conduit can be connected at each end with the services conduit of an adjoining conveyor unit.
Inventors
- 👤 David Bowen
- 👤 David Boot
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 02:14
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G43/00; B65G43/08
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
172 words
A conveyor unit comprising a conveyor, a mobile support carrying said conveyor, a conveyor drive carried by said mobile support, a control for said conveyor drive, said control including means for sensing the presence of an article on a predetermined region of said conveyor, so that said conveyor drive is started and stopped in dependence upon signals from said sensing means, at least one service connection carried by said mobile support, and connection means carried by said mobile support at the ends and at the sides of said conveyor unit for quick connection and disconnection of another such conveyor unit selectively at either end and at either side therof, said connection means including a location bar surrounding said conveyor, said location bar having a downwardly-cranked end portion adjacent one end of the conveyor unit, wherein said mobile support includes a notched portion adjacent said downwardly-cranked end portion of said location bar, means defining a notch in said notched portion being arranged to engage a location bar on an adjoining, similar conveyor unit.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
172 words
A conveyor unit comprising a conveyor, a mobile support carrying said conveyor, a conveyor drive carried by said mobile support, a control for said conveyor drive, said control including means for sensing the presence of an article on a predetermined region of said conveyor, so that said conveyor drive is started and stopped in dependence upon signals from said sensing means, at least one service connection carried by said mobile support, and connection means carried by said mobile support at the ends and at the sides of said conveyor unit for quick connection and disconnection of another such conveyor unit selectively at either end and at either side therof, said connection means including a location bar surrounding said conveyor, said location bar having a downwardly-cranked end portion adjacent one end of the conveyor unit, wherein said mobile support includes a notched portion adjacent said downwardly-cranked end portion of said location bar, means defining a notch in said notched portion being arranged to engage a location bar on an adjoining, similar conveyor unit.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The conveyor unit according to claim 1, wherein said sensing means is mounted on said location bar.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The conveyor unit according to claim 1, wherein said mobile support connection means comprises means to enable a work surface to be secured thereto.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The conveyor unit according to claim 1, wherein said location bar includes portion which permits a work surface to be secured to said support.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The conveyor unit according to claim 1, wherein said sensing means is adjustable longitudinally relative to said conveyor to enable said predetermined region of said conveyor to be selected according to the requirements of said conveyor unit.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The conveyor unit according to claim 1, wherein said sensing means comprises a light source and a light-sensitive cell disposed on opposite sides of said conveyor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The conveyor unit according to claim 1, wherein said mobile support includes a housing in which said conveyor drive is located.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
15 words
The conveyor unit according to claim 7, wherein said conveyor drive includes an electric motor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The conveyor unit according to claim 8, wherein said electric motor is incorporated into a motorized drum.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
43 words
The conveyor unit according to claim 1, wherein said at least one service connection is provided as at least one outlet from a service conduit which is arranged to be connected at each end with similar service conduits of adjoining, similar conveyor units.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
36 words
The conveyor unit according to claim 10, wherein said service conduit carries at least one service selected from the group consisting of an electrical power supply, compressed air supply, control system wiring and communication system wiring.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
The conveyor unit according to claim 1, wherein said support is provided with a locker.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
149 words
A conveyor unit comprising a conveyor, a mobile support carrying said conveyor, a conveyor drive carried by said mobile support, a control for said conveyor drive, said control including means for sensing the presence of an article on a predetermined region of said conveyor, so that said conveyor drive is started and stopped in dependence upon signals from said sensing means, at least one service connection carried by said mobile support, and connection means carried by said mobile support at the ends and at the sides of said conveyor unit for quick connection and disconnection of another such conveyor unit selectively at either end and at either side thereof, said connection means including a location bar, wherein said mobile support includes a notched portion at one end thereof, means defining a notch in said notched portion being arranged to engage a location bar on an adjoining, similar conveyor unit.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
149 words
A conveyor unit comprising a conveyor, a mobile support carrying said conveyor, a conveyor drive carried by said mobile support, a control for said conveyor drive, said control including means for sensing the presence of an article on a predetermined region of said conveyor, so that said conveyor drive is started and stopped in dependence upon signals from said sensing means, at least one service connection carried by said mobile support, and connection means carried by said mobile support at the ends and at the sides of said conveyor unit for quick connection and disconnection of another such conveyor unit selectively at either end and at either side thereof, said connection means including a location bar, wherein said mobile support includes a notched portion at one end thereof, means defining a notch in said notched portion being arranged to engage a location bar on an adjoining, similar conveyor unit.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1983-12-02 | 1984-06-02 | 1984-12-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-12-02 | 1988-06-02 | 1988-12-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-12-02 | 1992-06-02 | 1992-12-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |