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:
Jun. 10, 1997
Filed:
Dec. 05, 1994
John W Best, Jonesboro, AR (US);
James D Walker, Jonesboro, AR (US);
Northstar Industries, Inc., Jonesboro, AR (US);
Abstract
Power modules for expandable conveyors. The power modules contain motor driven rollers whose operation may be speed, direction and otherwise controlled as desired. The module connects to the end of an expandable conveyor, such as a conventional scissors conveyor, to allow repositioning, expansion and contraction of the conveyor with minimum risk of overexertion, strain and injury. Rollers may be positioned along the top surface of the power module as an extension of the conveyor for conveying items to ultimate destination. Gripping surfaces may be provided which act in combination with swivel mounted wheels to allow efficient and effective steering of the power module and the conveyor. The gripping surfaces may be located conveniently in the vicinity of a control panel for controlling actuation of the motor and the drive wheels. The power module accordingly allows efficient and effective repositioning, expansion and contraction of expandable roller conveyors that help meet increasing ergonomic and worker welfare considerations being entertained and implemented by enlightened employers.