The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 24, 1996
Filed:
Aug. 23, 1994
Ronald G Daringer, Cambridge, MD (US);
Maryland Wire Belts, Inc., Church Creek, MD (US);
Abstract
Weld-free belt assembly in which elongated link modules are coupled in widthwise side-by-side relationship by transversely-oriented coupling modules. An internal cavity is defined within each link along with a surface configuration on each side of the link which defines an entry access portion for a coupler and slot portions for enabling relative longitudinal movement of the coupler while retaining the coupler within the internal cavity. The interfitting coaction of the links and couplers enables an assembled belt to move from linear planar travel into a curved path to establish an endless-belt configuration. The relative movement of couplers within a link cavity enables longitudinal collection of links along the inner circumference when the belt enters a curvilinear travel path in approximately the same plane and enables re-extension for return to linear travel. An assembled belt can be driven longitudinally by sprockets; and, also, can be driven along a serpentine path by lateral-edge dynamic frictional drive, or in a similarly driven layered helical-path 'carousel' arrangement. Special configuration lateral-edge links provide protrusion-free lateral edge surfaces enabling smooth dynamic frictional drive along inner circumference surfaces during curvilinear travel.