Conveyors: power-driven – Conveyor section – Endless conveyor
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-03
2001-03-20
Ellis, Christopher P. (Department: 3651)
Conveyors: power-driven
Conveyor section
Endless conveyor
C198S841000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06202834
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates generally to conveyor systems and, more particularly, to a modular link conveyor system having an improved guide rail for use with a narrow chain conveyor belt.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Conveyor systems are an integral part of most modern production facilities. Such systems are especially beneficial in food processing, product manufacturing, and other areas where flow between different manufacturing stations is critical in providing an efficient and economical operation. Recent improvements in the simplicity of design and speed of operation provide greatly improved product flow and transfer, thereby significantly reducing production costs and maximizing profitability.
It is, of course, desirable for the system to occupy as little area as possible. In addition to the obvious constraint created by a limitation in the available floor space, reductions in system dimensions also allow more work stations to be provided in a given area for greater operator efficiency. These factors represent a significant cost savings and greatly increase production efficiency. Additionally, many production/manufacturing operations for small products, such as food items, require separation from a relatively wide in-feed conveyor into spaced, single lanes, or vice versa. The use of multiple, relatively narrow conveyors to provide the desired multiple lane flow is thus advantageous.
The broad concept of a compact conveyor system utilizing a relatively narrow belt on a simple guide rail is acknowledged to be known in the prior art. An example of one such proposal is illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,178,263 to Kempen, which teaches the use of an H-shaped rail having upper and lower inner channels for guiding a single link wide belt. Although relatively compact, one significant disadvantage of such a design is that fine debris and/or product residue are easily trapped within the inner channels. Moreover, the closed sides prevent cleaning solutions from being reliably distributed within the channels and then released as run-off for disposal. Thus, thoroughly cleaning the system requires the removal of the belt, thereby significantly increasing production downtime and further escalating the cost of operation.
In addition to narrowing the conveyor belt, space savings may also be achieved by optimizing the system layout. This may include placing narrow belts between production machines or providing bends, curves, or inclines. Of course, a narrow belt must smoothly and efficiently traverse these different geometries.
Recognizing the need for a compact conveyor system having such improved features, Applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 5,031,757 to Draebel et al. discloses a narrow chain conveyor belt formed of a single row of interconnected modular links. A pair of upstanding spaced rails provide forward and return runs that serve to guide the belt in an endless path. This design provides for the first time the desirable compactness for space savings and the open design which facilitates cleaning. However, it has been discovered that it is possible to provide an even narrower belt and conveyor system for even greater savings and efficiency, while retaining the characteristic smooth and efficient operation, especially around curves or bends.
As briefly mentioned above, multiple laning of product is a key requirement in many production systems. First, small products require only a narrow width belt, so that any additional width provided is simply a waste of operating capital. Also, the narrow conveyors clearly cost less to run. Further, some bakery products, such as saltine crackers and the like, are very adaptable to being shingled on a narrow conveyor having static guide rails placed to the sides. The increase in production provided by this type of system results in an even more significant cost savings.
Accordingly, a need is identified for a conveyor system having an improved narrow width chain conveyor belt and improved guide means. The system would be compact in nature to provide the desired space savings, while also maximizing product transport capabilities. In addition, the system would incorporate the ability to provide serial and/or shingled product flow along a single belt or a series of spaced belts. Further, an integral, open design belt and guide rail would be provided to facilitate cleaning, and releasable end guide components would improve ease of maintenance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, with the aforementioned needs in focus, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved modular link conveyor system of narrow width.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a conveyor system having an I-beam guide rail having integral outwardly extending upper and lower guide tracks for guiding a narrow width chain conveyor belt.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a conveyor system with an improved narrow width modular link belt that is particularly adapted to convey small products.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a conveyor system that is especially adapted for food processing, the system having an open design to facilitate cleaning, and releasable end guide components to simplify adjustment.
An additional object of the present invention is to provide a conveyor system wherein a series of coaxially mounted narrow width chain conveyor belts provide multiple lane product flow to or from a single, relatively wide conveyor.
Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a conveyor system and individual narrow width conveyor belt that is relatively simple and inexpensive to manufacture, install and maintain.
Additional objects, advantages and other novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned with the practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
To achieve the foregoing and other objects, and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, a modular link conveyor system utilizing an improved guide rail having integral guide tracks and a narrow width chain is provided. The conveyor system is especially beneficial in operations requiring reduced space to transport product between successive work stations, such as in food processing operations.
The conveyor belt includes a plurality of interconnected modular links. Advantageously, a single integral link defines the width of the belt. Each link has an apex portion and a pair of leg portions extending therefrom. The leg portions terminate in bulb-like foot portions.
The foot portions include corresponding transverse holes for receiving a cross rod which serves to interconnect the links. The apex portion includes a centrally-located transverse slot. Each cross rod joins the foot portions of a leading link with the apex portion of a trailing link, thereby forming the endless, interlocking conveyor belt. Preferably, the cross rod is knurled at the locations where it passes through the foot portions and is force fit therein to ensure a secure, semi-permanent engagement with the link. The rod is ideally flush with the outside edge of each foot portion, thereby preventing the formation of a blind cavity wherein debris or residue can accumulate. However, the rod may extend outwardly from the hole to provide additional width and stability to the belt, as is described in more detail below.
As can be appreciated, the transverse slot in the apex portion allows the cross rod to shift longitudinally and pivot laterally. Advantageously, this provides the belt with a substantial degree of freedom of motion in two respects. First, the movement of the apex into this space allows the belt to compress across its width. This compression allows the belt to smoothly and efficiently traverse a curve or bend
Bell Wendell S.
Johnson Mark T.
Layne James L.
McDaniel Michael D.
Dillon, Jr. Joe
Ellis Christopher P.
King and Schickli PLLC
Span Tech LLC
LandOfFree
Modular link conveyor with I-beam guide rail does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Modular link conveyor with I-beam guide rail, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Modular link conveyor with I-beam guide rail will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2499034