Patent US4572358A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4572358A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Powered transmission assembly for an accumulating conveyor
Assignee: FKI Industries Inc
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Filing: 1984-02-06
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Granted: 1986-02-25
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Expires: 2004-02-06
Abstract
Abstract An accumulating conveyor having a control diaphragm for moving a roller driving member from a first position in disengagement with one or more conveyor rollers to a second position in driving engagement therewith. The driving member is supported by a flexible flange which is biased in a direction urging the driving member out of contact with the roller or rollers and additionally flexes in response to the control diaphragm.
Inventors
- 👤 Ronald R. Swain
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 04:03
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G47/00; B65G47/22; B65G47/26; B65G47/261
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
222 words
An accumulating roller conveyor comprising (a) a frame; (b) a plurality of rollers which are rotatably supported by said frame and define a load bearing surface along a longitudinal axis of the conveyor; (c) a plurality of flexing members having a first portion fixedly secured to said frame and a second movable portion connected to said first portion, said first portion having a thinned region adapted to move in a transverse direction along said rollers and a torsional direction whereby said second movable portion moves in a horizontal direction along the longitudinal axis of the conveyor; (d) a plurality of driving members rotatably mounted on said flexing members, said flexing members biased in a first position with said respective driving members disengaged from said rollers and flexible in both a substantially vertical direction to move said driving members toward said rollers and a substantially horizontal direction to move said driving members along the longitudinal axis of the conveyor to a second position with said respective driving members engaged with said rollers; (e) an endless member in driving engagement with said driving members; and (f) control means contacting said second movable portion of said flexing members for flexing said flexing member between said first and second positions in which said driving members are in disengagement with said rollers and drivingly engage said rollers.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
222 words
An accumulating roller conveyor comprising (a) a frame; (b) a plurality of rollers which are rotatably supported by said frame and define a load bearing surface along a longitudinal axis of the conveyor; (c) a plurality of flexing members having a first portion fixedly secured to said frame and a second movable portion connected to said first portion, said first portion having a thinned region adapted to move in a transverse direction along said rollers and a torsional direction whereby said second movable portion moves in a horizontal direction along the longitudinal axis of the conveyor; (d) a plurality of driving members rotatably mounted on said flexing members, said flexing members biased in a first position with said respective driving members disengaged from said rollers and flexible in both a substantially vertical direction to move said driving members toward said rollers and a substantially horizontal direction to move said driving members along the longitudinal axis of the conveyor to a second position with said respective driving members engaged with said rollers; (e) an endless member in driving engagement with said driving members; and (f) control means contacting said second movable portion of said flexing members for flexing said flexing member between said first and second positions in which said driving members are in disengagement with said rollers and drivingly engage said rollers.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
The conveyor of claim 1 in which each driving member is comprised of a drive wheel for engaging the rollers, a drive element for engaging said endless means, and a shaft connecting said drive wheel to said drive element, said first portion of said flexing member being positioned adjacent said drive element and said second movable portion of said flexing member positioned substantially above said control means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 2 in which said control means is secured to said frame and operates against said second movable portion of said flexing member.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 3 in which said flex member is biased against said control means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 4 in which said control means comprises an inflatable diaphragm for flexing said flex means against the bias force.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 2 in which said control means is secured to said movable portion of said flex member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 2 in which part of the vertical of said first portion is thinner than the remainder.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
60 words
The apparatus of claim 1 in which each of said flexing members has a central portion supporting its respective driving member, a first leg extending downwardly from one end of the central portion to operate against said control means, said first portion of said flexing member being a second leg extending downward from the other end of the central portion.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising a means attached to said second leg for guiding said endless member.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 1 in which each of said driving members is comprised of an integral drive wheel, axle, and sprocket module of thermoplastic material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 10 in which each of said flex members has a central housing portion for enclosing and supporting said axle, for enclosing the upper portion of said sprocket, and substantially enclosing the upper portion of drive element.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 9 in which said guide comprises guide shoes for supporting return and engage portions of said endless member.
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) | 1989-02-24 | 1989-08-26 | 1990-02-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-02-24 | 1993-08-26 | 1994-02-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-02-24 | 1997-08-26 | 1998-02-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |