US4981208A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Magnetic drive spiral conveyor system
Assignee: Regina Emerson Co
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Filing: 1990-02-16
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Granted: 1991-01-01
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Expires: 2010-02-16
Abstract
Abstract A spiral conveyor system utilizing an endless flat belt is disclosed. The belt travels in an endless path which includes a spiral portion. The belt is primarily driven in the spiral portion by a frictional engagement between the belt and a rotating driving element. The frictional engagement results from a combination of a tension induced in the belt by a secondary drive and a magnetic force between the rotating driving element and the belt.
Inventors
- 👤 Garland W. Jones
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 22:57
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G23/00; B65G23/02; B65G23/18; B65G2207/00; B65G2207/24
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 24
Claim 1
Independent Claim
142 words
A conveyor system comprising: an endless belt having a plurality of links connected together and adapted to permit passage of the belt around lateral curves; means to support said belt for passage through an endless path including a spiral portion extending through a plurality of vertically spaced loops with the belt curved laterally in each of the loops, an approach portion leading into a first loop at one end of the spiral portion and an exit portion leading away from a last loop at the other end of the spiral portion; a driving means having drive surfaces engaging the belt in a frictional driving relationship along a radially inner edge of the belt in each of the loops; and means for providing a magnetic force between the driving means and the belt such that the frictional contact between the two is increased.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
A conveyor system comprising: an endless belt having a plurality of links connected together and adapted to permit passage of the belt around lateral curves; means to support said belt for passage through an endless path including a spiral portion extending through a plurality of vertically spaced loops with the belt curved laterally in each of the loops, an approach portion leading into a first loop at one end of the spiral portion and an exit portion leading away from a last loop at the other end of the spiral portion; a driving means having drive surfaces engaging the belt in a frictional driving relationship along a radially inner edge of the belt in each of the loops; and means for providing a magnetic force between the driving means and the belt such that the frictional contact between the two is increased.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
29 words
The conveyor system of claim 1 wherein the means for providing a magnetic force comprises at least one magnet attached to one of the driving means and the belt.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The conveyor system of claim 2 wherein the means for providing a magnetic force comprises at least one magnetizable element attached to the other of the driving means and the belt.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The conveyor system of claim 2 wherein the magnet is attached to the belt.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The conveyor system of claim 2 wherein the magnet is attached to the driving means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
The conveyor system of claim 2 wherein the magnet is a permanent magnet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The conveyor system of claim 2 wherein the magnet is an electromagnet.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The conveyor system of claim 2 wherein the magnet is attached by molding the magnets in place.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The conveyor system of claim 2 wherein the magnet is attached to the belt by press fitting into a cavity.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
13 words
The conveyor system of claim 2 wherein the magnet is attached by snap-fitting.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
13 words
The conveyor of claim 2 wherein the magnet is attached by an adhesive.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The conveyor system of claim 2 wherein the magnet is attached by at least one fastener.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The conveyor system of claim 2 wherein the magnet is attached by clamping means.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
The conveyor system of claim 3 wherein the magnetizable element is attached by molding the magnetizable element in place.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The conveyor system of claim 3 wherein the magnetizable element is attached by press fitting into a cavity.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
The conveyor system of claim 3 wherein the magnetizable element is attached by snap-fitting.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
15 words
The conveyor system of claim 3 wherein the magnetizable element is attached by an adhesive.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
17 words
The conveyor system of claim 3 wherein the magnetizable element is attached by at least one screw.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
15 words
The conveyor system of claim 3 wherein the magnetizable element is attached by clamping means.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
The conveyor system of claim 1 wherein the means for providing a magnetic force comprises at least one magnet in one of the driving means and the belt.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
30 words
The conveyor system of claim 20 wherein the means for providing a magnetic force comprises at least one magnetizable element in the other of the driving means and the belt.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
35 words
The conveyor system of claim 1 wherein the driving means comprises: a cylindrical cage rotatable about a vertical axis extending through the spiral portion of the belt and having driving surfaces that engage the belt.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
14 words
The conveyor system of claim 22 wherein the driving surfaces comprise vertically-oriented driving bars.
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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) | 1993-12-31 | 1994-07-02 | 1995-01-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1997-12-31 | 1998-07-02 | 1999-01-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2001-12-31 | 2002-07-02 | 2003-01-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |