Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
228 words
A tapered bed feeder conveyor including an elongated center section, a tapered bed secured to the center section, an idler shaft rotatably journaled on the idler shaft support, at least one conveyor sprocket secured to the idler shaft, a drive shaft support secured to the other end of the center section, a drive shaft rotatably journaled on the drive shaft support, at least one conveyor sprocket secured to the drive shaft, at least one endless chain trained around the sprockets on the idler shaft and the drive shaft, conveyor slats extending from the endless chain operable to convey material along the upper surface of the tapered bed and a conveyor drive operable to drive the drive shaft characterized by the elongated center section including two reversible and identical side panel members formed from sheet metal with an integral tapered bed support ledge and an integral endless chain return support ledge, each side panel member including upper and lower edges and at least one sloping section intermediate the edges enabling the side panels to nest together while disassembled with one of the side panels turned end for end and corresponding upper and lower edges on adjacent nested panel members being vertically and horizontally offset from each other; and a plurality of spacer bracket assemblies connecting one panel member to the other panel member in a parallel spaced apart relationship.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
228 words
A tapered bed feeder conveyor including an elongated center section, a tapered bed secured to the center section, an idler shaft rotatably journaled on the idler shaft support, at least one conveyor sprocket secured to the idler shaft, a drive shaft support secured to the other end of the center section, a drive shaft rotatably journaled on the drive shaft support, at least one conveyor sprocket secured to the drive shaft, at least one endless chain trained around the sprockets on the idler shaft and the drive shaft, conveyor slats extending from the endless chain operable to convey material along the upper surface of the tapered bed and a conveyor drive operable to drive the drive shaft characterized by the elongated center section including two reversible and identical side panel members formed from sheet metal with an integral tapered bed support ledge and an integral endless chain return support ledge, each side panel member including upper and lower edges and at least one sloping section intermediate the edges enabling the side panels to nest together while disassembled with one of the side panels turned end for end and corresponding upper and lower edges on adjacent nested panel members being vertically and horizontally offset from each other; and a plurality of spacer bracket assemblies connecting one panel member to the other panel member in a parallel spaced apart relationship.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A tapered bed feeder as set forth in claim 1 characterized by the reversible and identical side panel members formed from sheet metal including a conveyor cover retaining flange on their upper edges.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A tapered bed feeder as set forth in claim 2 characterized by a cover with lips in engagement with the conveyor cover retaining flanges.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
30 words
A tapered bed feeder as set forth in claim 1 characterized by antifriction material secured to the conveyor slats and in contact with the integral endless chain return support ledge.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A tapered bed feeder as set forth in claim 1 characterized by the integral tapered bed support ledge on each side panel being below the integral endless chain return support ledge.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
A tapered bed feeder as set forth in claim 1 characterized by the elongated center section including at least one spacer bracket assembly with two generally vertical side sections each of which has two side panel members secured thereto.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A tapered bed feeder as set forth in claim 6 characterized by the elongated center section including a plurality of spacer bracket assemblies.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
A tapered bed feeder as set forth in claim 1 wherein said sloping section slopes inwardly and is located adjacent said chain return support ledge of each panel member and extending outwardly.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
45 words
A tapered bed feeder as set forth in claim 8 wherein is provided an outwardly sloping flange above said chain return support ledge forming the upper edge of each panel member to assist in nesting, and a conveyor cover mounted on the flanges during use.